4 AUGUST 1961, Page 15

RELUCTANT PEER

SIR,—We feel that Mr. Wedgwood Benn's case raises issues of such public importance and so closely con- cerns all those who believe in democracy that it Would be wrong for him to have to bear personally the great expenses involved. The costs of the election Petition alone are estimated at some £8,000 We have, therefore, established a Fund, to be called the Bristol Fund, which will be used to help him meet the legal and other costs. Any balance left In the Fund will be sent to the International Red Cross.

We invite those who share our view of this matter to send a contribution to the Hon. Treasurer, Michael Zander, 16 Alvanley Gardens, Hampstead, London, N W6.

ATTLEE COMPTON MACKENZIE VIOLET BONHAM -CARTER CHRISTOPHER MAYHEW J. BRONOWSK I GERALD NABARRO FENNER BROCKWAY HAROLD NICOLSON JO GRIMOND CHARLES PANNELL AUGUSTUS JOHN CHARLES P. SNOW F. ELWYN JONES MERVYN SOUTHWARK +