21 SEPTEMBER 1974, Page 4

Tory leaders

Sir: Frankly, I do not mind much which of the two honest gentlemen, Sir Keith Joseph or Mr Enoch Powell, becomes the next leader of the Conservative Party. The man who admits he was wrong, or at least involved in error, has given proof of his courage, a very valuable quality in statesmanship; but the man who warned of the error at the time it was made has, perhaps, a better chance of electoral support. For that reason, the Conservative Party would do well to rally behind Mr Powell as soon as the opportunity arises, and he, likewise, has.courage.

D. E. Folkes 5 Queens Walk, Ealing, London W5