1 SEPTEMBER 2001, Page 55

Q. When I went up to Oxford my father gave

me his only piece of lifetime advice: to tip my scout on the first day of term, while giving him some hope that there might be more to come at the end. As a result, I had astonishing service throughout the term, much to the jealousy of my comrades. For the rest of my life I have found this the perfect tipping rule and can't recommend it too highly.

D.P., London EC2 A. Thank you for this helpful reminder no doubt prompted by our query regarding tipping at the Sloane Club (Your problems solved. 11 August).