Vouchers in Welfare
SIR,—In your 'Spectator's Notebook' on March 25 your reference to Liberal views on 'Vouchers in Wel- fare' gives the impression that Professor Michael Fogarty was the author of the Liberal pamphlet in 1962 advocating this idea. In fact it was Professor Alan Peacock who wrote this pamphlet in 1962, and both he and Professor Fogarty are writing on this subject in the April edition of New Outlook
Your comment gives the impression that it is dero- gatory to the Liberals that distinguished Liberal academics should have different views on 'Vouchers in Welfare.' The Institute of Economic Affairs in their recent publication Choice in Welfare made an analysis in depth of this subject and produced opinion polls which have aroused great controversy. Un- doubtedly. this question will attract more and more discussion in future years. I consider that it is one of the strengths of the Liberal party that we discuss these proposals quite uninhibitedly and without fear of electoral repercussions. Obviously, there are conflict- ing ideas in the Liberal party on this subject, and only by ventilating these in public can Liberals give a clear lead to public opinion.
In your leading article you praised the Liberals for discussing a planned devaluation of the pound. If it is right for the Liberals to air contrasting views on this subject why is it a point against them that not all Liberals think alike on 'Vouchers in Welfare'?
'New Outlook,' 80a Coleman Street. London, EC2
RICHARD LAMB
Joint Editor
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