16 DECEMBER 1989, Page 11

A DICTIONARY OF CANT

ELITISM. The doctrine that extraor- dinary ability should be fostered. It is strong in the Soviet Union in order to put excellence in the service of the state. English socialism regards it as a form of robber-capitalism, done with minds instead of money, and must daydream about the redistribution of ability. Perhaps one day Mr Hattersley will gain power and send out high tech agents to level our intelligence, integrity and beauty with his own.

Nigel Burke