4 NOVEMBER 1966, Page 13

Sig,—No one would wish to minimise the effects on the

young of the poverty which remains in our society, but a part of Arthur Barton's evidence seems questionable. Like young Ross, many of the boys I teach in a fairly expensive preparatory school wear no underclothes but they come without exception from affluent homes. Judging by his remarks about 'decent haircuts' in particular, Mr Barton himself has some pretty contemptible lower-middle-class prejudices- which have led him a little astray.

TIMOTHY BELLINGHAM

West Lodge, West Terrace, Surbiton. Surrey