13 MAY 2000, Page 28

Squatters' rites

From Mr Claus von Billow Sir: Jasper Gerard (Absolutely potty', 22 April) has drawn attention to the hitherto insoluble gender inequality which enables men to urinate while standing. The late mil- lionaire scientist, Professor Derek Jackson, told me that, when necessary, he peed in the street. The maximum fine was reasonable whereas, if he went to a public convenience he might inadvertently make eye-contact with an agent provocateur from the constab- ulary and be irretrievably ruined. Even though Derek Jackson went through five divorces, this did not ruin him.

Claus von Billow

London SW7