26 NOVEMBER 1948, Page 18

GOVERNMENT ENGLISH

Sitt,—The latest Report to the Nation maintains the Government's un- broken record of illiteracy. Under the heading: "See how Positioning helps Productivity" there is a picture of cricketers described as "a crack side . . . positioned to stop runs and scoop up catches." How often have we seen Mr. Bradman positioning up his fielding personnel after consultationing the bowler. Below there is a portrait of a girl asking: `Will higher ptoductivity help the price position?" She looks anxious and strained. 'SEC wanted to know, poor dear, whether it would

lower prices, and wondered whether she had correctly translated her simple thought into the Government's jargon.

Yesterday, as I passed his home, I heard a Public Relations Officer singing to his child, "Imposition the kettle, Polly: We'll all have an intake of tea." I was deeply moved, or, as the Government would say,

motivationed.—I am, Sir, your obedient 'servant, HENRY &muss.

House of Commons.