13 FEBRUARY 1932, Page 16

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sat,--While welcoming Sir James

Merchant's championship of individual liberty, I contend that the State has a right, and ought, to penalize couples who beget more children than they can provide for. It is our neglect of the fundamental individualistic principle of parental responsibility which has brought us so much socialistic legislation and race deteriora- tion. Of course, the State would have to reduce its restrictions m the three birth-control procedures recently commented upon by Mr. Justice McCardie at the Leeds Assizes.—I am, Sir, &c.,