22 JUNE 1956, Page 7

FROM TIME TO TIME authoritative pamphlets appear on my desk,

under the imprimatur of PEP, which independent, non-party organisation has for the past quarter of a century been turning out informed comment on the topics of the day. I have always taken its rectitude for granted, but its latest production shakes my faith. With most of its conclusions on the Performance of the Press I would be in agreement; but some of its judgements arc very odd. 'Most people,' it asserts, 'buy a particular paper because they like its views, so that its effect on political opinion may be only marginal.' Four million people buy the Daily Express; many more read it; but even the most dewy-eyed Express staff man knows that only one little old reader likes its views.