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David Eastwood (Letters, É«ºÐÖ±²¥S , May 18) has misrepresented my point of view.

I did not suggest that the Arts and Humanities Research Board was in any sense "the British Academy's creature", though I have heard the opinion expressed. My position is that the unrepresentative and self-appointed nature of the academy makes it an unsuitable channel for government research money.

For the same reason, I find it unsatisfactory that the academy oversees, with others, the affairs of the AHRB, whether its touch is "light" or not.

It is the academy that should justify its role, not the chief executive of the AHRB.

Martin Dodsworth
Royal Holloway, University of London