20 MARCH 1976, Page 19

Mr Powell's views

Sir: Mr Cosgrave has misunderstood Mr Enoch Powell's position on the trade unions. While it is certainly true that Mr Powell has taken great pains not to use the trade unions as scapegoats for the country's inflation, he has always been an opponent of the 'closed shop'. Indeed, he has in the past devoted whole speeches to the injustice of a man losing his job because of his refusal to join a union, and the disgraceful legal protection which is afforded to trade unions under such circumstances.

Mr Prior's speech unfortunately made concessions in the one area where there should be no compromise. Mr Powell's name should not be used in his defence. Richard Ritchie Riverhol me, Condor Road, Laleham-on-Thames, Middx.