24 MAY 1957, Page 14

SIR,—Mr. Angus Maude has skirted round the most valuable attribute

of the public schools—their free- dom and independence from the Slate system. Any legislation which brought a loss of independence could not possibly be supported by a Tory Govern- ment; it would be just one more extension of State interference and control.

The right angle from which to approach this matter is surely to say : increase the national income and thereby help the middle classes and others to pay the fees at independent schools.

Mr. Maude of all people should know what a priceless liberty independence can be!—Yours faith- fully.