31 OCTOBER 1970, Page 19

Democratic swindle

Sir: In warning of a swindle over the Common Market the 'Spec- tator's Notebook' likens the British electorate to a body of share- holders faced by a conspiracy to defraud them. But consider how the meetings of those share holders are conducted. A poll of 44, 46 or 48 per cent of those voting is commonly held to signify approval, or mandate, for any set of proposals put before them. Is it not then apparent that swindling is built into our system of democracy?

M. B. Daniels 134 Bradshaw Road. Bradshaw, Bolton. Lanes