A Spectator's Notebook
IF SIR ALAN HERBERT'S inter- vention as a candidate in the Harrow by-election succeeds in prodding the Government into finding time for the Obscenity Bill, he can con- gratulate himself on a highly successful piece of lobbying. But it will also be a reflection of the Government's lack of standards—if the only reason they allow the Bill to proceed is for fear of losing a seat. The trouble with politicians in general is that they do not realise the contempt with which the electorate (that part of the electorate, at least, which notices such things: a tiny minority, certainly, but quite capable of swinging marginal seats) takes note of such manceuvres; and the trouble with this Government in particular is that it cannot see how low lies its reputation because of them. Does Mr. Macmillan realise, for example, that since he made his 'no general election this winter' pro- nouncement, many Fleet Street political cor- respondents are convinced that he intends to go to the country in the first week in March—simply because that is the first occasion which could, within reason, be called spring? I do not know whether there is any other justification for their belief; but it certainly arose originally out of the feeling they have that the Prime Minister, so far from being statesmanlike in his determination to spare candidates and audiences the rigours of
frosty meetings, was deliberately trying to d! the Opposition—and the public. A legil political trick? Or another manifestation o Macmillan's attitude to party matters, wh oddly childish at times? Or are we all being to him?
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