Think Again, Mr. Crosland
SIR,—Last week ∎ou printed a letter twin my friend Robin Davis which needs an answer. Mr. Davis said that Mr. Crosland's 'shot across the bows' is 'the writing on the wall' for the direct-grant schools. Such a statement, so far from bringing to the debate the clarity of thought and elegance of expression we should expect from Mr. Davis, merely exchanges one absurd blustering phrase for another.
Now does Mr. Davis mean that direct-grant schools may be faced with a situation which will force them either to lose their historic character or go indepen- dent? If so. he is merely repeating in vague language what has been clearly understood for a long time. These schools have up to now kept their grants not, as Mr. Davis suggests, for want of 'clairvoyance.' but because they want to he open to both rich and poor. However, there is no reason why they should not prosper as independent schools.
Perhaps Mr. Davis may have led some of your readers to believe that Mr. Crosland can somehow stop the schools going independent while forcing them to do as he wishes. This would require an Act of Parliament to expropriate them and their assets. Of course Parliament is sovereign, and the Minister could push through such an Act. Equally he could have an Act to nationalise the independent schools or any set of them. Indeed I leave your readers with this question: which would cost the Government more votes at a subsequent election (that is, alienate more potential Labour voters)—an act to expropriate Manchester GS. or one to nationalise the Mercers' Company, its school and assets?
JOHN ROBSON 24 Southwood Drive, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol
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