26 SEPTEMBER 1952, Page 16

W.E.A.

Snt,—It was surprising in the B.B.C.'s disappointing discussion on this subject on September 19th to hear Mr. O'Brien claiming the Workers' Educational Association as a trade-union movement. I was a member of the W.E.A. during its early years, and the truth is that the trade unions were then far from sympathetic. The credit for the success of the W.E.A. rests with the universities and the devoted band who sup- ported Albert Mansbridge.

The trade unions owe a great deal to- the W.E.A., but they do not