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SIR,—Dr. Matthews deplores the break-up of the National Government. If the only alternative is some form of coupon election the plan outlined by the Premier is certainly the lesser evil. But Dr. Matthews is surely right in contending that " we shall need a government which can speak with the authority of the whole nation " after the election, and it is to be hoped that no party will shut the door to the possibility of the re-formation of a Coalition Government based approximately on the new party strength in the House.
It is unlikely that until the Japanese war is concluded the majority of voters will count any political issue as important as that of ensuring Mr. Churchill's leadership of the nation, whatever doubts they may have concerning his party's reconstruction policy. If however electors could be sure that the leaders of the parties represented in the present Govern- ment were prepared to co-operate in the formation of a new Coalition after the election their votes might not so easily be deflected by the personal issues involved and the result would more accarately reflect the political opinion of the country.
Dr. Matthews also refers to the power of the party machines. This is an issue of great importance. The misuse of that power is largely responsible for the present prevalent distrust of parties which have so often appeared to put party advantage before the essential requirements of true democracy. The action of the two major parties in resisting any reform of our electoral system designed to secure a more truly represen- tative House of Commons is but one indication of the undemocratic use
of that power.—Yours faithfully, T. L. HARDCASTLE. 7 Ladyhouse Lane, Berry Brow, Huddersfield.
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