ELECTORAL REFORM SIR,—I believe it is generally acknowledged that the
University Members of Parliament, past and present, have always earned the reputation of men who made a notable contribution to the debating strength of the House and, what is even more important, have expressed views which frequently revealed wisdom, restraint and an informed judgement on important public affairs. They have very often borne no party label, and are by no means predominantly of the Right. In what way then have they offended our present masters? They do not stand for capitalism, monopoly or any other of the pet hatreds of Socialism. Can it be that their very qualities have condemned them unheard? Are they too inde- pendent of these times? Must they too be reduced to the grey common level which the Socialists seem determined to impose upon us all? There has been no widespread criticism of University representation, and the present proposals have been sprung on the country by a Government which evidently prefers the weight of numbers to independent and con- structive thought.—Yours faithfully, W. J. WRIGHT. 35 Painswick Road, Hall Green, Birmingham 28.
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