ITO THE EDITOR OF THE "'SPECTATOR.")
Sra,—I note that in your issue of August 30th Mr. Wilson expresses the fear that, if the liquor trade were nationalized, the present Government might use its control of the trade for political objects. I am willing to believe that the present Government is perfectly capable of doing this; but am I wrong in believing that, without nationalization, the Liquor interest is -now a powerful factor in many elections? The small risk of a Government currying favour by letting the drink 'flow freely seems to me to be far more than-:offset by the advantage of getting rid of the existing political influence of the Trade. I do not mean -that this is the main argument in favour of nationalization; but it does seem to me to dispose •of Mr. Wilson's -point. Mr. Wilson also seems to ignore the fact that, if political pressure were exerted, it would be so in both directions. There would certainly be a great strengthening of the demand that public-houses should be closed during elections.— I am, Sir, /ie., G. D. H. COLE. 12 Bremerton Street, Chelsea, S. TV. 3.
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