22 NOVEMBER 1946, Page 17

THE SMALL EMPLOYER

Stx,—As a Liberal with Left-wing sympathies I give my support to many of the things that the present Government do, and propose to do. The very vigorous opposition to all forms of private enterprise by Labour leaders, however, leaves me not a little perplexed. To put it briefly, my problem is this : A small shopkeeper, or other small employer, earns, say, seven pounds a week. A skilled workman earns a similar amount. The former is condemned on Labour platforms as being against the best interests of the community, whereas the latter is praised as a good citizen. Would any of your readers be good enough to explain the principles on which such judgements are based?—Yours sincerely,

33 Weetwood Lane, Headingley, Leeds 6. ALAN BISSINGTON.