The "Left" SIR.—Mr. Christopher Hollis appears to find some inconsistency
in the idea that the Labour Party should attract and contain middle-class elements. Surely he is overlooking two important points—first, that the composition of the "middle class" has changed enormously since the Labour Representation Committee was formed in 1900 ; and, second, that the field of operations of the Labour Party has always included workers by brain as well as by hand. In 1900 there was a " middle class," whereas now we commonly aid accurately speak of the " middle classes " ; and Whereas in 1900 a member of the ",middle class " would probably have felt insulted at being designated a " worker " of any kind, a member of the lower middle class today would certainly be insulted if he wasn't looked on as a worker (by brain).
The great task of my party—in which we have not yet succeeded is to split off the lower middle class by demonstrating the identity of their interests and well-being, with those of the ",working " class, and take them along with us ; the central strata of the middle classes will always be unreliable from ourpoint of view, and the small " upper middle class," merging imperceptibly into the " upper class," will always oppose us. But the lower middle class is generically ours, and will become so politic- ally at the next election—unless we are incredibly stupid !—Yours faith- (M.P. for Norwood, 1945-1950.) 18 Basing Hill, Golders Green, N.W.11.
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