28 MAY 1965, Page 6

Spectator's Notebook

JFORCE WOODCOCK replying to Nigel Lawson on the TV programme Gallery gave an answer equally remarkable for its fuzziness of words and its clarity of intent when he was asked what his reaction would be to 600.000 or 700,000 unemployed. Here it is.

Oh well, one would regret it but if this, in the circumstances that is in the short run, is the only way we can really get ourselves on an even keel, we have to face it. I'll very much regret it but then you see, the alternative policies at your disposal tend to be rather long-run not capable of quick—well, they may be introduced quickly but their effect is long-run. So you are in this position and it is no good blinking your eyes to that fact, you are in this position and your choices are unpleasant but you have got to take them.

So now you know.