A total alternative
Sir: Mr Grimond on 27 June has invited additional suggestions for a joint LiberalSDP agenda which will pulverise current party alignments before they pulverise Britain. May I urge that proportional representation will be nugatory until state subsidies of parties are introduced? The present rottenness of our parliamentary system reflects the archaism whereby the two main parties are funded by the massed interests of capital and labour, and represent their paymasters with servile mindlessness. This in-built sectionalism has destabilised our country, perpetuated class divisions and has caused the justified collapse in respect for the Commons, its members and their motives.
It is time to open public discussion of acceptable forms of subsidy to replace the present destructive system of subventions by the Big Bugs. A few million a year would be a bargain if they cleaned and invigorated our democracy. Certainly any system which suits both Mostyn Evans and James Goldsmith cannot be good for Britain.
R. P. T. Davenport-Hines
3 Pembridge Square, London W2
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