THE BOOKS BILL
SIR,—I thank you for the kindly support that you and your writers gave to my entrance on the Harrow scene. But may I offer a correction to your remarks upon my exit? You say (in 'Portrait of the Week'): 'Sir Alan expressed himself satisfied with Mr. Butler's assurances . . . and withdrew from the contest.' That is not right. I withdrew because of a solid fact; that, at the third attempt, the Obscene Publications Bill was generously given a second reading 'on the nod,' and thus at last got a fair wind into Standing Committee. In my Election Letter I wrote: 'Any Membcr has a right to cry "I object" if he thinks that after four years a Bill has not been sufficiently con- sidered. But I, too, a modest member of the great calling and craft of literature, have a right to cry "I object!" as I am doing now.' On January 23 no Member cried 'Object.' Accordingly, returning good- will for goodwill, I, too, ceased fire.
I myself am certainly 'satisfied' that Mr. Butler is doing his best to meet the claims of authors, pub- lishers, etc., and to reconcile them with the reluctance of some of the lawyers. But the details are in the able hands of Mr. Roy Jenkins, MP. His talks with Mr. Butler have, I know, been friendly, and will, we hope, be fruitful. He is a member of our committee and keeps close touch with us. But no one is yct com- mitted to anything. This Private Member's Bill is at last in the private Members' hands : the Whips, I assume, will not be on, and may the hest amend- ment win ! —Yours faithfully,
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