1 FEBRUARY 1975, Page 4

Powell preferred

Sir: 1 have agreed with almost every word Patrick Cosgrave has written during the past twelve months or so on Mr Heath and the Tory leadership, but it is difficult to go along with him in this week's article (January 18).

Whatever the merits of Mrs Thatcher, bless her heart, and now Mr Hugh Fraser, neither of them can expect to win the vote to lead the Tory party, though their joint efforts should make certain that Mr Heath does not win at the first vote.

This should cause common sense at least to prevail in the Tory Party and induce them to recognise that the logical successor to Mr Heath is Mr Powell. who alone has the authority, courage, intellect and integrity to provide a credible alternative to Mr Wilson and to lead the Tory Party back on to the right path -to power.

To continue with Mr Heath is to turn out the light.

P. Martin-Smith Grays Lane House, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire