Students' unions
Sir: While we agreed with the principle of Dr Rhodes Boyson's article (March 22), we feel that there are certain points that cannot go unanswered.
We believe that Dr Boyson does himself a disservice by overstating his case, in particular with reference to the current NUS campaign for creche facilities — possibly, leaving aside any consideration of their methods, the only sensible idea the NUS has had for some while. One must, surely, allow for anyone, whatever their economic or moral position, to attempt a degree if they wish and if they can,
However, we would take fundamental issue with Dr Boyson's plan for the reform of the NUS. Stated simply, conditions will unfortunately not allow this. The student benefits greatly, if only financially, from the services it offers — in travel, insurance, legal help, accommodation and so on.
We would rather imagine, that instead of dramatic and radical action that might well fail, one would do better to let the NUS go even further to the left, further to increase its lunacy and further to remove itself from the sympathies of the country, so that the eventual and inevitable backlash towards the right can take place.
It must be realised that however apathetic our fellow students, they are at bottom left-wing, and equally that there are always those prepared to dedicate themselves to politics. The right can never win in universities, but at least a very much moderated socialist stand can be achieved by a right-wing backlash. If Dr Boyson's plans were carried out, we doubt that student politics would end or become more calm — indeed, political unrest, and possibly violence, would perhaps greatly be increased.
Very few people, inside or outside universities, notice or care what the NUS has to say. We are in little danger of their overturning the existing order of society. Could not their reform be natural and more gentle, if slower, than Dr Boyson advocates?
Tim Yeoman Eyre Turbett David Harrod Bedford College, London University
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