23 OCTOBER 1976, Page 18

Heath record

Sir: Looking back on his record as prime minister Mr Heath's speech at Brighton was surely the most impudent political discourse of the century—no mean feat when one recalls some performances by Harold Wilson. That he should have been provided with the opportunity indicates how hopelessly out of touch the Conservative leadership must be with feeling in the sector of moderate opinion which almost invariably holds the balance in deciding elections in this country.

The fall of the Conservative Government in February 1974 and the party's failure to regain power eight months later were due to the middle-of-the-road voter disliking Mr Heath even more than he (or she) distrusted Mr Wilson; the lesson, it seems, has not been learnt.

J. D. Godber 22 Sandcross Lane, Reigate, Surrey