from Dr Vivien Noakes

Sir - You report (Business, July 17) that Oxford University Press (OUP) has £87 million in profits which it can afford to pass over to the university to support capital projects.

I am not surprised. I have recently signed contracts with OUP for two books, for which they are the perfect publishers. Initially they told my agent that they could not afford to pay any advance. After much discussion they agreed to a payment of £500 for the two books.

I can't help thinking that a university press should use its money first for its living scholars and authors, including its poets (letters, January 9, 11; February 12), and only then make donations to projects such as renovation work at the Bodleian Library.

Your faithfully,

Vivien Noakes, 146 Hamilton Terrace, London NW8 9UX
July 17

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