12 OCTOBER 1985, Page 29

Bottoms

Sir: Alexander Chancellor's comments on David Owen's big bottom (Television, 14 September), prompt me to reveal research of my own. Recent visits to the Palace of Westminster have reinforced my theory that the possession of a generous bottom is an essential prerequisite for success in public life. It is extraordinary how many MPs are thus endowed, on both sides of the chamber. And as I dine at my club with the captains of industry, leading lights in the art world, rich landowners, scions of the turf, I notice, when they get up, the selfsame trademark. It may be that ample buttocks are the effect of success — sitting endlessly at important meetings, too many good lunches . . . but my researches show that high achievers have the capacity and strength of bottom needed to drive them up the ladder of success.

Nicky Bird

15 Burlington Gardens, London W4