A PRACTICAL PROPOSAL
SIR,—At a school held last week-end at the Percival Guildhouse, Rugby (centre for adult education), in conjunction with the Workers' Education Association and the Adult Schools, Mr. Frank Lee, Cam- bridge University Extension Lecturer, spoke on the subject of the conduct of the war. Dealing with the economic aspect, he referred to disorganisat:on and waste in our war effort. This was amply corroborated by members of the audience. Examples were quoted of women in war factories having to pass their rime in knitting (and being paid overtime for so doing); of men being advised by their supervisors to make their work "last out "; of a useless concrete road being constructed near an aerodrome because, when -the work was completed, it was found that it had been constructed in the wrong field ; an aircraft factory that had been in operation for about a year and whose production had been no more than eight planes. There is little doubt that this state of affairs exists all over the country.
The workers themselves, on attempting to get such matters investi- gated, often meet with failure through their lack of knowledge of the correct procedure to adopt, and when reporting to the National Service Officer, find that he is powerless to take action. As a result, there is a very widespread feeling among the workers that they are unable to do anything about such matters, and a feeling of frustra- tion sets in. We are most vitally concerned about this feeling, which makes people lose their belief in the principles for which they are fighting, makes them lose their sense of urgency, their faith in their leaders, their faith in their own power in a democratic State. firmly believe that if this state of affairs is allowed to continue damage to morale will soon become apparent and the war e will be seriously impaired.
We suggest that a National Bureau (with one address) be set whose main duty it is to allocate all complaints to the proper q and w:th power to see that they are investigated. Such a step w be welcomed by the whole country. We know that in winning war the spirit of the people is of the most vital importance—R has shown us that. We cannot stress too strongly our concern this feeling of frustration may have a serious effect upon the of the people of Britain. We put forward our suggestion in knowledge that Britain has the might to win, and if her people
the spirit, we cannot lose.—Yours faithfully, F. ALLEN,
Percival Guild house, Rugby. Chairman of the Meeting,
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