THE MOUNT SINAI BIBLE . .
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] Sm,—In your issue of December. 29th, p/,, 951, you state : "We find it difficult to understand the attitude of those who have accused the Government. of extravagance in deciding to spend 150,000—half the purchase price—in so:inking this priceless manuscript volume from the Soviet Government."
I venture to point. out that there are those -who whilst appreciating every whit the value and importance of the Codex Silu2iticui,. nevertheless question the wisdom of the Government spending such ,a large amount of money at this
time in such a way. Surely there are more urgent causes to which such a grant could be allocated. I have before me an appeal for Cancer treatment and research. Radium is very expensive 1 There is also the problem of unem- ployment, still very acute ; the large sum mentioned above would provide employment for many men in, say, building, houses and clearing slums. Finally, with income tax still at 5s. in the 2, which means that many small salaried workers pay 2s. 6d: in the 2, the need of economy in Government expenditure with a view to reduction of taxation, is apparent. Surely, Sir, the criticism is not without justification and has a right to be heard. The purchase of this admittedly valuable manuscript is not urgent nor does it appear how it will make the Authorized Version of the Bible more useful and helpful to the ordinary reader.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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