SIR,—Mr. Maude has publicly dramatised a mood of self-questioning in
the Conservative party which has been very clear to close observers of the par- liamentary scene for a long time. Personalities obviously obtrude, which is a greater pity than usual, for the qualities which Mr. Heath possesses are certainly those necessary to give the party strong, intelligent and contemporary leadership.
Of course there have been dismal displays by the Opposition, so abject that one must wonder how it is possible for them to occur-11 is true that the Prime Minister is a brilliant dialectical tactician, yet he conforms to an almost invariable pattern. One can see the trap being laid, sometimes the jaws almost creak as they open, yet still, with almost macabre fascination, the Opposition seems to walk in backwards.
This is a situation of such obvious absurdity that the malaise, if that is the word, must lie deeper, as indeed it does. it is fashionable for some political commentators to suggest that the Labour govern- ment has forgotten its Socialism, but a study of its present actions and their implication for the future— including the fundamental step of steel nationalisa-
Lion—shows that this is certainly not their intention.
Mr. Powell and Mr. Maude are not alone in believing that many Conservatives do not know what Conservatism is about; that they do not be- lieve, or if they believe, they do not believe enough; that, despite the vibrant examples of the American, German or Japanese economies, they have too readily accepted in this country a so-called mixed economy which is substantially socialised and with the weight of advantage tipped against individual effort.
The heart of this frustration is that years of com- promise have meant a retreat by Conservatism with the left holding its gains and yielding nothing. Ironically Butskellism lives on but only in the ranks of the Conservative party, and it is this which finds reflection in the attitude of the Opposition in Parliament, where the tendency is for the Tories to step off with the left foot on almost every issue.
This is not a situation created by Mr. Heath. It has been developing for years. There is no dis- loyalty to Mr. Heath in the sense that he is held responsible for years of complacency. But there is an implacable demand that Toryism restates and acts upon its principles. This is insistent and will not be stilled.
BRIAN WILLIS
16 Woodcrest Walk, Reigate, Surrey
Previous page
