7 NOVEMBER 1952, Page 15

A Plan for Clubs

SIR.—S0 Janus has theoretical sympathy with freedom ! I find myself shocked and distressed, as well as bewildered, by his continuous advocacy of the State ownership of public houses in the new towns. The resident of an old town which has become a new town carries grievous burdens, and has already been forced to lay many sacrifices on the altar of social experiment. For this he has never received the publicity, and so the sympathy, which he deserves. Was he to have accepted still more dictation and interference ? Let us change our guinea-p:gs. Janus thinks " nobody would be hurt by such an experiment," so I should like to offer a suggestion. Why not let the State take over the London clubs ? Should it Start with the Reform ?