Sold For $446
*Includes Buyers Premium
Four early letters from Margaret Thatcher as MP for Finchley and Shadow Secretary of State of Education and Science, including three TLSs and one ALS, signed either “Margaret Thatcher” or “Margaret H. Thatcher,” seven total pages, all on her personal House of Commons letterhead, 5.75 x 8.25 and 8.25 x 11.75, dated between December 1969 and April 1970. The letters are all addressed to educator Dr. Leslie Bather and relate to the thorny subject of the introduction of comprehensive education in the late 1960s; as Deputy Headmaster of Christ’s College, Finchley, Dr. Bather had taken exception to the proposal that Christ’s College should be merged with the local Secondary Modern school. The letters, ordered by date, are as follows:
TLS from December 2, 1969: “As soon as I heard from you I tackled Reggie Maudling and I understand from him that he has virtually no view at all about Plan 'C', but takes the position that the local authorities must decide after proper consultation with parents and teachers. I pointed out that in our case this did not seem to have been done, and that further one great weakness of the position in our area seems to me to be that our own councillors would oppose parts of the scheme as it effects our area, but that they are outvoted by those who represent other areas.”
ALS headed “Confidential,” from December 16, 1969: “Suffice to say that I can well understand the reasons for your depression and frustration. In my view, the relevant person is just not up to the job. A few of our councillors may have something under way in the new year but it will depend on how much support they get from those who…voted against Plan C.” Includes a related Daily Telegraph clipped article and an excerpt from a recent educational hearing.
TLS from February 11, 1970: “With regard to your other point: since then the Bill has now been published and we shall be debating it on Thursday…In face of this I cannot really see much hope of getting Barnet to revise its basic decisions. Nevertheless, I will try and put a few sentences into my speech which indicate that we are most anxious to return to a scheme which allows some genuine choice for parents between comprehensive school and grammar school…It would seem that a lot of trouble is being caused by the details of the comprehensive scheme. These really should have been worked out before the scheme was approved as they have now got themselves into a position where it looks as if they are going to have to ‘band’ pupils according to ability. On the other hand, the new Bill looks as if it is going to exclude this, because it involves making a selection on the grounds of ability. What a mess!”
TLS from April 3, 1970: “Thank you for your further letter about teacher opinion on Plan C. If only we can keep the campaign going a little longer, I believe it may have some effect. One of the councillors who did not vote with Frank Gibson said to me the other evening that he thought it might help if the whole thing were to be delayed for a year. Even this would be better than nothing because it would give time to muster more evidence of opinion among parents…My best wishes for your new job. Your new school is very lucky to secure your services.” In overall fine condition.
Accompanied by a TLS from noted Conservative leader Reginald Maudling from November 25, 1969, also addressed to Bather on the subject of comprehensive education.
