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Peep's Diary (October 1) reported "sightings" of me in Brighton last Monday night at the Labour Party conference.

This report came as something of a shock since I arrived in London from South Wales at 18:30, ate some food with a friend who briefed me about industrial relations and spent an hour reading the Universities UK Patterns of Higher Education Institutions in the UK report in my flat. Very interesting it is, too.

The next morning I caught the 08:02 train to Brighton and spent two days at the conference, as visible as any other human being.

I know journalists, like the rest of us, can become a little overtired and emotional but when they start seeing things, they should seek guidance. The Patterns document lists several excellent teaching hospitals where your troubled contacts might seek help.

Kim Howells
Minister for Higher Education