1 JULY 1943, Page 14

THE DECLINING POPULATION

Sta,—I am glad to reply to Mrs. Sykes who asks an explanation why an increase in the birth-rate is essential. From the point of view of this country it isn't. Wit. taker's Almanack tells us that Britain is the most over-populated xountry, having 703 to the scogre mile, whereas Germany went into this war because of her " over-population " of only 347 to the square mile. But we have a vast Empire whiCh should be populated with British stock. That this country is so over-populated at present is largely due to the failure of our Dominions in recent years to receive our immi- grants. The people who ought to be pulled up about the whole situation are the Governments of the respective Dominions and .Colonies and our own Government.—Yours faithfully, M. C. SrogEs. Norbury Park, Near Dorking, Surrey.