14 FEBRUARY 1964, Page 16

FAIR VOTING SIR,—The Prime Minister opposes A. P. Herbert's proposal

on the ground that 'the 1944 Speaker's Conference on Electoral Reform rejected over- whelmingly proportional representation and the alternative vote.' Of course it did—because it was composed overwhelmingly of Conservative and Labour MPs committed in advance to rejecting them. What we need is an inquiry by people who have reasonably open minds and are not subject to a party whip.

ENID LAKEMAN

Director and Secretary The Electoral Reform Society, Albany Institute, Creek Road, SE8