. Road show
Sir: Mr Bendixson speculates (11 April) on 'the beginnings of decline of the old mono- lithic parties'. He is setting his sights too high. In the 'fifties and early 'sixties the Liberal party tried but failed to replace the Labour party. But it made both the other parties sit up and take notice of the prob- lems looming ahead, e.g. the Common Market and Scottish and Welsh nationalism. It provided a civilised outlet for the protest vote and gave opportunities for political activity to many who were frustrated by the Tories and Socialists. All these were limited but solid achievements which Homes Before Roads can emulate in London.
I hope that Mr Bendixson will not be dis- heartened because HBR did not get many votes last week. Success is not to be measured by votes alone. HBR has had a good press and increased the critical attention which is being given to roads and cars. That is a fair start.
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