Sta.—Janus puts his finger on a problem which is of
considerable import- ance—the future of the independent public schools. As he says, most schools have waiting-lists, and there is no need for immediate alarm. But the position may be different in a few years, especially if inflation continues and personal capital is reduced. In fact it is probable that, sooner or later, the public schools will have to do a deal with the State.
A Conservative Government might find a solution by granting generous income-tax remissions, in which case the schools would be reserved for the sons of the wealthier classes. It is questionable whether the schools themselves would welcome this ; it is certain that it would come to an end when the Conservative administration fell. A Socialist Government might offer to take over the schools and treat them as State institutions, in which case the schools would lose more than their independence.
Is it too early to suggest that the Headmasters' Conference should invite another all-party approach to the problem? It would, of course, have to be realised that while there are some people in the Left-wing parties who value the public schools and are prepared for sympathetic treatment, there are more who believe, rightly or wrongly, that the schools, as they now exist, are incompatible with a democratic ordering of society. If a wise solution is to be found, this misgiving, even though thought to be wrongly conceived, cannot be brushed aside. The Headmasters' Confer- ence must convince the sceptics that the public schools are not partisan institutions, but can make a proper contribution to a well-balanced society. If all parties can be convinced of this, then agreement might be possible for an expenditure of public funds.
As a Socialist myself I value the independent schools, even though I believe changes and modifications are necessary. I hope, therefore, that, while the schools are still enjoying comparative prosperity, the Head- masters' Conference, together with interested parties in the State, will discover a reasonable accommodation which will safeguard the best academic interests and traditions and do justice to sound democratic
"values.—I remain, Sir, yours truly, MERVYN STOCKWOOD. St. Matthew Moorfields, Bristol 5.
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