Sir – It has been pointed out to me that my previous letter (April 5) might have given the impression that the museum authorities were at fault in not seeking planning permission for the various objects on the lawn in front.

In fact they consulted the planning office, and were advised that consent was unnecessary — wrongly, in my opinion.

These are far from being the only cases where University institutions have been given this advice in private discussion by planning officers, sometimes even concerning works to listed buildings.

Peter Howell, Oxford