On health inequality.

attributable to differences in these potential confounding variables. Although we were unable to present the numerical results of these analyses because of space constraints, we do refer to them in the paper. Although we were concerned about the impact of the low response rate and our chosen comparison population on the interpretation of our data we, like Dr Mindell, were sufficiently convinced by the results to believe that they were worthy of public health concern. What exactly should be done about them, however, needs careful thought and debate. We were struck by the poor mental health of students and the potential implications of this for public health, and therefore made this the focus of our discussion. Dr Mindell suggests that a reinstatement of student grants would solve the problem and, as we indicated in our paper, such action might help. However, we consider it unlikely that this is either the only or the most important solution. There are other approaches to mental health promotion, at present being implemented by some healthpromoting universities, which are potentially as valuable and arguably more likely to succeed. Yours faithfully,