Odd friends

I was surprised to see that Birkbeck College is advertising for a "Nestle Lectureship in the Politics of Development" (THES, October 6). Presumably this will involve extensive research into the advisability of promoting baby milk powder over breast milk in areas of the developing world where clean water is in short supply.

I understand this London University college also has a Rupert Murdoch lecturer in business and media. Can a lecturer in peace studies sponsored by the arms manufacturing industry be far behind?

WILLIAM DEIGHTON Lennox Road, London N4