What Alternative ?
SIR,—Those who like myself are not committed to any political party, are puzzled at the lack of any clear lead from the Opposition parties on how our economic problems can be solved. Our economists (bless 'em!) are not agreed on either cause or cure. The immediate financial crisis cannot be blamed on the present Government as exactly similar crises arose under Conservative administrations. Presum- ably, whatever Government had been in office, the same situation would have arisen. Even so, one is not told what the Conservatives or Liberals would have done in this emergency.
It might have been expected that Mr lain Macleod. as Shadow-Chancellor, would have enlightened us, but he has not done so. His recent speeches have been largely vilifications—great fun, but not helpful. Mr Jo Grimond has become a Prophet of Doom, so he isn't much help.
The Government has at least made a new approach in its Prices and Incomes Bill. Here is a definite policy that may prove valuable. The fact that it has roused so much angry comment suggests to people like me that the Government may be on to something good. Anyhow, it is the only constructive idea in the market that shows new thinking: can the Opposition parties offer us something better, or, at least, an alternative positive policy?
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