NEWSPAPER of the LSE STUDENTS UNION ^49 FEBRUARY 3rd, 1976 FREE NOW THROUGHOUT the whole of the campus, tension has been mounting in anticipation of the massive turnout expected at today's union by-election. Election fever has been rising to a new, dangerous and all-time high level. Political opponents , have been engaged in pitched street battles and Houghton Street has been a scene of havoc. On one occasion Terry Donaldson was observed to be in some confusion as to whose side he was on in a fight between Conservatives and Communists. The masses of "worker-students" have been caught up in this momentous political drama and you too could take an interest. However a plan has been mooted to diffuse the situation. This plan involves a new voting system which, by its complexities, has been devised to douse all political passions. As the Constitution explains: "An elector in giving his vote; a) must place on his voting paper the figure 1 opposite the name of the candidate of his first preference. — b) may in addition place on his voting paper the figure 2 or the figures 2 and 3, or 2, 3, and 4, and so on opposite the names of other candidates in the order of his preference." This is called STV (Sexually Transmitted Vote. I think). This will not be your only chance to exercise your democratic right this year. There is likely to be another by-election in the near future, since last Wednesday Richard Sales also resigned, muttering such comments as "intellectualising in a vacuum". Furthermore the annual executive elections will take place on the ninth week of this term. Nevertheless, this does not mean that your vote is unimportant. Exercise your democratic right today between lOam and 6pm on the Ground Floor of the Old Building. — Vote now. You can make your choice from the following candidates : (from left to right in the picture) :— Anton Chapman, who is standing as an Independent Socialist, is at present a member of both the Ents Committee and the Publications Committee. He is concerned to make the Students' Union more responsive to the needs and wishes of the student body in general, and would prefer the vacant "Shop and Flor-ries" post. THE CANDIDATES Terry Donaldson, ex-secretary of both the LSE Political Science association and the Constitution Committee, is now an executive member of the Conservative Society, and also involved in the Anti-Apartheid Movement. He is anxious to see that the Union is run efficiently, and thus offers the maximum service to all students. Jacqueline Gladden is non-political (as far as the Union is concerned), feeling that it concentrates on irrelevant ideological issues. Although a member of Con. Soc., she dislikes "big business and bureaucracy" and would campaign against education cuts, and discrimination again women in-education. Jackie Rushforth, the Broad Left candidate, has wider political interests as a member of the Spanish Solidarity Commit, tee and. the Chile Solidarity Committee. She would, therefore, prefer the "Overseas Students' post, and sees the fight again.st discriminatory fees so vital to the student movement. Fabian Tompsett is an Independent (Left Libertarian) which works out to be an "organised Anarchist." In his own words, he "intends to find out what the Union does and why, and to ensure that it supports students with regard to their problems." Right to peaceful action threatened AT the end of February the Law Commission will publish its final report on a Criminal Trespass Law. This Final Report will be Volume One of a three volume report on the Conspiracy Laws. The Law Commission has announced its intention to restrict Conspiracy charges to crimes — but since trespass is currently not a crime it will be made into one so as 'not to leave gaps in the law'. The Draft Bill for Parliament that the Final Report will contain will be pushed through by Jenkins, as an anti-squatting priority to gain A&llkVST A CRiAUKAL TRKSI'ASK LAW Assi'lllllh' I.SttllHI lt<'lvi>il<>ri> IPil SAT KAI.I.YLV IHAI'AI.KAi; NO popular support from all sides at a time when the Government is being criticised by everyone. This 'distraction' whilst averting the gaze of the public from unpopular policies will not only make squatters into a public scapegoat, but the Bill itself will ultimately be used to totally erode the rights to peaceful direct action currently enjoyed by ordinary people in this country. ¦Criminal Trespass means that it will be illegal to remain on property after the owner, or his representative, has told you to leave. This will have very grave implications for our personal liberty. We spend most of our lives on other people's property; college buildings; shops; accommodation; pavements and thoroughfares; public buildings; places of work; and other buildings and places we visit everyday. We are only there by unwritten permission of the owner, that is, we have a 'licence' to be there. If Trespass becomes a crime, being asked to leave ONCK would terminate that licence, and if we refused to go after a second order we could be arrested for tres- pass. Various precedents set by the Law Lords recently, mean that the property-owner wouldn't even have to know our names. The Rent Act (1974) doesn't protect tenants with unwritten licence—under this law they would have the same legal position as squatters (i.e. none). Similarly, non-payment of rent would, by law, equal squatting, and remaining on property after a possession order had been granted would be illegal trespass. This deeply threatens all other forms of direct action, as well as rent-strikes and squatting. Occupations and Sit-ins, the classic weapons of the student, and now increasingly used by workers to .save their jobs, involve trespass. Picketing generally takes place on property owned by the very organisation that is being picketed! A Criminal Trespass law could be used to render Claimants' Unions useless, to clear the streets of demonstrators and leafieteers, even to stop people arging about being shortchanged in a shop .. . In efi'ect, the whole law is an attempt toy those with power to keep the ordinary, economically powerless person from voicing his/j her growing protest in the face of falling standards of living, cuts in public services, and rising unemployment. The insidiousness of the proposed legislation cannot be stressed enough, It hits at the vei-y foundations of our basic civil liberties, turning them instead into police-state constraints. It will by definition affect ALL OF US, no matter how quiet, conservative and. peace-loving, in our everyday lives. It benefits only property owners and landlords, those who own the economic power. It will affect you — directly and adversely! It must be stopped! The Campaign Against A Criminal Trespass Law (CACTL) is working to build and co-ordinate opposition to this insidious legislation. Please give CACTL your active support! For further details, please contact Maureen Gilbert, U/G Pigeonholes. Demonstrate on February 28th for all our sakes! MAUREEN GILBERT ttcoHWCsaam A814«199Q NEWSPAPER of the LSE STUDENTS' UNION No. 149 FEBRUARY 3rd, 1976 FREE VOT THROUGHOUT the whole of the campus, tension has been mounting in anticipation of the massive turnout expected at today's union by-election. Election fever has been rising to a new, dangerous and all-time high level. Political opponents have been engaged in pitched street battles and Houghton Street has been a scene of havoc. On one occasion Terry Donaldson was observed to be in some confusion as to whose side he was on in a fight between Conservatives and Communists. The masses ol "worker-students" have been caught up in this momentous political drama and you too could take an interest. However a plan has been mooted to diffuse the situation. This plan involves a new voting system which, by its complexities, has been devised to douse all political passions. As the Constitution explains: "An elector in giving his vote: a) must place on his voting paper the figure 1 opposite the name of the candidate of his first preference. b) may in addition place on his voting paper the figure 2 or the figures 2 and 3, or 2, 3, and 4, and so on opposite the names of other candidates in the order of his preference." This is called STV (Sexually Transmitted Vote. I think). This will not be your only chance to exercise your democratic right this year. There is likely to be another by-election in the near future, since last Wednesday Richard Sales also resigned, muttering such comments as ''intellectualising in a vacuum". Furthermore the annual executive elections will take place on the ninth week of this term. Nevertheless, this does not mean that your vote is unimportant. Exercise your democratic right today between 10am and 6pm on the Ground Floor of the Old Building. — Vote now. You can make your choice from the following candidates : (from left to right in the picture) :— Anton Chapman, who is standing as an Independent Socialist, is at present a member of both the Ents Committee and the Publications Committee. He is concerned to make the Students' Union more responsive to the needs and wishes of the student body in general, and would prefer the vacant "Shop and Flor-ries" post. THE CANDIDATES mM. Terry Donaldson, ex-secretary of both the LSE Political Science association and the Constitution Committee, is now an executive member of the Conservative Society, and also involved in the Anti-Apartheid Movement. He is anxious to see that the Union is run efficiently, and thus offers the maximum service to all students. Jacqueline Gladden is non-political (as far as the Union is concerned), feeling that it concentrates on irrelevant ideological issues. Although a member of Con. Soc., she dislikes "big business and bureaucracy" and would campaign against education cuts, and discrimination again women in-education. Jackie Rushforth, the Broad Left candidate, has wider political interests as a member of the Spanish Solidarity Commit, tee and. the Chile Solidarity Committee. She would, therefore, prefer the "Overseas Students' post, and sees the fight against discriminatory fees so vital to the student movement. Fabian Tompsett is an Independent (Left Libertarian) which works out to be an "organised Anarchist." In his own words, he "intends to find out what the Union does and why, and to ensure that it supports students with regard to their problems." Right to peaceful action tlireatened AT the end of February the Law Commission will publish its final report on a Criminal Trespass Law. This Final Report will be Volume One of a three volume report on the Conspiracy Laws. The Law Commission has announced its intention to restrict Conspiracy charges to crimes — but since trespass is currently not a crime it will be made into one so as 'not to leave gaps in the law'. The Draft Bill for Parliament that the Final Report will contain will be pushed through by Jenkins, as an anti-squatting priority to gain IIEAIOKSTKATE ACAIKST A CKiAUKAL TRESPASS LAW ^seiiililc ISIhiiii Itcivcilcre Kil. litHMInil S.lli.1 llrbnil Cwnl, Null) _ cAi.i.y i\ tHAi'ArKiti: !i<^ popular support from all sides at a time when the Government is being criticised by everyone. This 'distraction' whilst averting the gaze of the public from unpopular policies will not only make squatters into a public scapegoat, but the Bill itself will ultimately be used to totally erode the rights to peaceful direct action currently enjoyed by ordinary people in this country. ¦Criminal Trespass means that it will be illegal to remain on property after the owner, or his representative, has told you to leave. This will have very grave implications for our personal liberty. We spend most of our lives on other people's property; college buildings; shops; accommodation; pavements and thoroughfares; public buildings; places of work; and other buildings and places we visit everyday. We are only there by unwritten permission of the owner, that is, we have a 'licence' to be there. If Trespass becomes a crime, being asked to leave ONCE would terminate that licence, and if we refused to go after a second order we could be arrested for tres- pass. Various precedents set by the Law Lords recently, mean that the property-owner wouldn't even have to know our names. The Rent Act (1974) doesn't protect tenants with unwritten licence—under this law they would have the same legal position as squatters (i.e. none). Similarly, non-payment of rent would, by law, equal squatting, and remaining on property after a possession order had been granted would be illegal trespass. This deeply threatens all other forms of direct action, as well as rent-strikes and squatting. Occupations and Sit-ins, the classic weapons of the student, and now increasingly used by workers to,save their jobs, involve trespass. Picketing generally takes place on pi-o-perty owned by the very organisation that is being picketed! A Criminal Trespass law could be used to render Claimants' Unions useless, to clear the streets of demonstrators and leafleteers, even to stop people arging about being shortchanged in a shop .. . In effect, the whole law is an attempt by those with power to keep the ordinary, economically powerless person from voicing his/, her growing protest in the face of falling standards of living, cuts in. public services, and rising unemployment. The insidiousness of the proposed legislation cannot be stressed enough, It hits at the vei-y foundations of our basic civil liberties, turning them instead into police-state constraints. It will by definition affect ALL OP US, no matter how quiet, conservative and peace-loving, in our everyday lives. It benefits only property owners sjid landlords, those who own the economic power. It will affect you — directly and adversely! It must be stopped! The Campaign Against A Criminal Trespass Law (CACTL) is -working to build and co-ordinate opposition to this insidious legislation. Please give CACTL your active support! For further details, please contact Maureen Gilbert, U/G Pigeonholes. Demonstrate on February 28th for all our sakes! MAUREEN GILBERT BEAVER, Feb. 3rd, 1976—Page Two LETTERS Teaching at LSE DEAR EDITOR,—The Standard of lecturing at LSE is abysmal. I am a student with experience of lecturing in Colleges of Further Education having been taught in Colleges of Further Education, Technical Colleges, Teacher Training Colleges, and now in a University, and find that the quality of lecturing at LSE, with very few exceptions, is the lowest I have met. This judgment can bs justified only if I explain what I consider to be the main aims and basic elements essential to a lecture and how they they are not met. After every lecture we should feel a growing rather than a diminishing interest in our subject. Very few lectures contain any motivating force. It is not enough for us to be fed only with facts, it depends very much on the enthusiasm of the lecturer for his subject, and for us as students, whether any enthusiasm is transmitted. Given enthusiasm, the next essential is technique. The lecturer must be able to address his or her audience with real clarity and lucid progression of ideas. Obviously, well-planned, lucid exposition comes first, but without variation in tone of voice, pace and methods, and use of visual contact, modern teaching methods and visual aids, the whole point of tlie lecture is lost. This is usually the case. More often than not our lectures are hypnotically dull and dreary and our expectations of boredom are thoroughly vindicated. They are obscure, poorly prepared, occasionally supplemented by unsatisfactory handouts and act as a powerful "demotivating" influence. Any criticism is weakened unless constructive suggestions are made. The best solution would come from a recognition by the lecturing staff that these criticisms are valid and that they themselves might take steps to ¦ improve their performance. Self-criticism can, however, be very difficult, so, in a spirit of co-operation, I should like to put forward some of the steps that might be taken. (1) Initially, lecture criticisms to lecturers by teaching specialists to create awareness of existing low standards of lecturing. (2) Publication of statistics of students' criticism, derived from questionnaires which we all fill in at the end of lecture courses in some subjects. This scheme should be expanded to all subjects. (3) All lecturers to attend teacher training courses. I realise neither the School nor the local education authority would permit full-time courses but it would not be difficult to organise a part-time course with one of the London Colleges of Education. (4) A practical suggestion which could be immediately implemented. Consideration by each lecturer of the aims of each lecture course and of each individual lecture and announcement of these aims at the beginning of each lecture. "To lecture" means literally "to read". Implementation of these proposals would ensure lectures at LSE would be as stimulating and as exciting as opening a good book. B. KIRKMAN DEAR EDITOR,—In frustration and anger I am writing to "Beaver" in tiie hope tiiat a state of affairs over the marking of homework for one course in the Mathematics Department can be rectified. My complaint relates to the marking of work for Elementary Mathematical Methods. No criticism is intended to reflect against either of the two lecturers of the course or against my class teacher. Although a very popular course, only a small minority of students take it as part of their degree. However, in answer to t^e charge that my grouse is of little (or no) interest to the rest of the student population, I would argue that a similar situation may exist in the arrangements of other courses. For Elementary Mathematical Methods both lecturers give out sets of exercises, in addition to printed notes. My class-teacher allocates the one hour per week we have to working through these exercises. Due to the large number in the class and the size of the exercises only a small proportion of the questions can be investigated, many only cursorily. Practically no time can be given to examine a student's personal work. Thus we are requested to answer a number of questions each week which our class-teacher hands over to a marker, whom I shall call X. It is here that my criticism is levelled. The only function that X fulfils is to mark a tick or cross against each question according to whether the numerical answer is correct or not. Surely, at university level, the method of answering a question and its rationale is as important as obtaining the right answer. What, for instance, is the point of marking an answer right if the construction of it is incorrect or if two errors have cancelled each other out. If an answer is wrong, not only is no effort made by X to show why the student failed in his proof nor an indication given as to whether the mistake was methodological or arithmetical but—and surely this is the very least one can expect—there is no attempt to mark in the proof where the student went wrong. In short, the work performed on the homework could equally well be accomplished by most seven-year-olds with a list of answers in front of them. Initially, my class-teacher agreed with my criticisms, and suggested that I write to X. I was immediately referred back to the class-teacher, \vho then told me that if I didn't like the marking, I needn't give work in; however, X would compromise by ceasing to gi-ade the work. Since this "compromise" is totally unsatisfactory to me, I have written these paragraphs in the hope that a more positive response will be elicited from the responsible individual than any further personal representations could achieve. D. MORRIS Donaldson * debate (cont.) DEAB EDITOR,—May I comment on the recent exchange of corres pondence in your pages between T. Donaldson and Miss Tilley? Mr Donaldson has, as your readers will have noticed, attempted to repudiate some of the perverse and pathetic fantasies peddled by Neo Marxists, Trotskyites and their liberal fellow-travellers in this country. However, a close reading of his letter suggests that he. in fact, accepts —possibly sub-consciously—much Left-wing propaganda. For instance, he appears to accept that our press suffers 'constraints'. I can only advise him to enter W. H. Smith's one day and examine the enormous range of opinion freely available to anybody. A sharp contrast to the Soviet police state where death or exile awaits anyone who utters a contrary view of any sort. Secondly, he seems to swallow whole the lies of the left about Chile and Spain. In fact, Robert Moss has proved beyond doubt that the Chilean people intervened against the Allende (Moscow) clique solely to restore the freedom which was rapidly diminishing as Chile pro gressed along the totalitarian path. Perhaps his most glaring error relates to China. He argues that 60 million people have been liquidated in China since 1949 for their political views. In fact, as Challener and Henley's carefully documented account reveals, the figure is nearer 100 million. It is insidiously significant, in this respect, that no population figures have been published by the Chinese Communist State since the 1949 takeover. I would also like to take this opportunity to nail once and for all the left-wing myth that the Soviet Union lost 20 million lives in World War 2 in order to save the v.'orld from fascism. In fact, the evidence shows that the majority of these were murdered by the Soviet State itself, the Germans killing no more than la few hundred thousand at most. These and other striking omissions can only lead me to question the sincerity of Mr Donaldson. He is by his own account a former member of the British Communist Party which is well known for its slavish adherence to Moscow — its support for the invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968 being a good example of this. Subversion from within, as demonstrated by Lord Chalfont's superb documentary the other night, is a well-known neo-Marxist tactic. Could it be that in the case of Mr Donaldson we have a cynical attempt to infiltrate the organisation of those genuinely committed to the defence of the Free World? The tar of the brush -of communism is difficult to wash off. CHARLES KEYWORTH DEAR EDITOR,—As chairman of LSE Conservative Society, I feel it is time for me to add to the fast-growing debate between Mr Donaldson and Ms Tilley. The reason we. as Conservatives, attack the USSR is that, along with Chile and Iran, the USSR ranks as the worst defiler of human dignity extant. Information of political repression is harder to come by from China—not because it doesn't exist but because control of ordinary working people is even tighter there than in Russia. However, such evidence is filtering through and Sir Keith Joseph (who, incidentally, is not Mr Donaldson's spokesman; Mr Donaldson has not yet advanced that far, he tells me) will be well able to demolish the myth of China's so-called democracy this autumn at LSE, as he easily demolished the repressive USSR last autumn—to loud acclaim from students in a free country with a free Press; witness the fact that both our letters have been published, Ms Tilley! R. GRAVELL Sabbatical Editor DEAR BEAVER. — As a member of the silent majority, the apathetic multitude, as one of the LSE's "little people", I feel it Incumbent upon me — although I humbly realise there is no way I can criticise your incredible, well-meaning and successful efforts — to modestly suggest, following your apposite reply to Mr Gbeckley's (who?) letter, that your own incestuousness creates a vicious circle. By this I mean that bad grammar does not a journalist make, i.e. that your version of journalese is incomprehensible, e.g. your reply to Mr Checkley's letter, do you catch my drift? etc. By way of example myself personally I would like to say that phrases such as "find such phrases to your disliking" are both prolix and innaccurate as well as patronising, so to speak, to coin a phrase, as it were. The point surely is that one should not imitate but master journalese. I learn from your penultimate paragraph (ref. your reply to Mr Check-ley's (who?) letter) that you "voluntarily" stay in the office "until the early hours". Great. Really impressed. Are you whining masochists or journalists? Although I think it's absurd that you can't criticise without putting in a constructive suggestion, here is one. Why don't you stop complaining and campaign for a sabbatical editor? So why don't people write for you ("not exactly inundated with articles")? Could it be that bitchy replies and bad copy alienate people? Glad to see you welcome criticism; there's a constructive suggestion here as well. Will you print it? Don't complain — CAMPAIGN! C. STEVENS Boyson visit ON reading the "Beaver" of January 20th, I was surprised to learn that Ross Gravel, the new chairman of Con Soc. had decided to invite Dr. Rhodes Boyson, M.P., to L.S.E. on February 9th. This Member of Parliament has seen fit to attack the political affiliations of teachers, claiming that there are reds under every school desk. He has also supported the most reactionary form of educational thinking as expressed in the "Black Papers" on education. Not only has this outdated high Tory considered himself fit to pass judgment on education today, but he has also openly attacked university courses, especially sociology. In the sennet of January 14th he stated that fewer students should study this course as "it has frequently been at the centre of student unrest." I hope that any Con. Soc. Sociology students or other like minded moderates will turn up and protest against this high priest of reactionary education. J. INGRAM Angola DEAR EDITOR,—Tessa Marcus' wholesale condemnation of SouUi Africa and its policy of apartheid (re. Angola and apartheid, January 6th issue) is worthy of cmu-mendation. But I would welcome answers on the following points regarding Angola; (1) Should any movement anywhere in the world be approved of and legitimated simply because it. (a) labels itself as Marxist and (b) leans towards Russia? (2) How can MPLA speak for the whole of Angola, when it coni-mands only a minority group? Aren't the UNITA FNLA. equally entitled to do so? And even if MPLA is- established, won't a minority rule the rest, which is what is happening in Rhodesia and S. Africa? (3) Why does Tessa Marcus cen-"sure only American imperialism and Portuguese colonialism without at the same time taking Russian imperialism to task? (4) Ms Marcus talks about South African mercenaries, but coolly forgets about Cuban soldiers fighting alongside MPLA — why's that? (5) If, following Ms Marcus' suggestions MPLA is recognised, what guarantee can it give to ensure the safety of those who sided with UNITA and fnt.a? Will a world so used to atrocities committed by fanatical Communist movements in the past (eg Stalin) place any faith in such a guarantee? (6) Are we to believe that curbing civil liberties and imprisoniiig genuine humanitarian spokesmen (eg Czechoslovakia, Russia)—actions which are bound to follow if MPLA takes over— will help the struggle of the African people in its efforts to free themselves from their -long and grievous past? (7) And finally how will the struggling people of Southern Africa be inspired to find their country (s) as colony (s) of Russia? In other words, I sui»-pose your concept of true freedom lies in the transfer oi government from the Portuguese to the Russians . . . S. GEORGE Union news and _BEAVER, Feb. 3id, 1976—FageTIii-ee Views Suspend sovereignty of UGMI Liberal line THE central problem of why people don't go to Union meetings is that the vast majority of people think that the Union is boring, irrelevant . and dominated by the desire of left-wing hacks who divide their time between ripping off Union .'funds in support of their own particular causes • and marching in demos. Whether or not this is true is beside the point. It suffices that people 'think it is so. If this is really true, then people are justified in staying away from Union meetings. They ¦ should go to UGM nonetheless, if only to make a constitutional amendment to divide the ¦Union. A more constructive attitude would be to convince people that Union is really relevant -to them. However, if you look at the motions discussed in Union meetings last term you find that there was a group of ten people who proposed 46 of the 69 motions on. the various order papers. Of this ten, four were members of the ¦Broad Left, or as near as dammit, three were members of IS, and two were members of IMG. The only one to have no left-wing party alle- giance w^s Pete Timmins, the senior treasurer, bo maybe the Union is run by a clique of left-wing hacks ? In the immortal phrase then : '-What is to be done ?" I have a radical solution which might work. UGM sovereignty is temporarily suspended, and transferred to a Council of three hundred students chosen at random from the student body. These three hundred would re- | form the functions of the UGM, and hopefully would introduce a change in emphasis,in matter discussed, to that more relevant to the average LSE student. Then, with confidence restored in the Union, UGMs could be reinstated after a suitable period—say three years—with more students coming to Union meetings as they realise that the Union affects them and really works. The only problem is to get the necessary constitutional amendment passed, lots of "ordinary students would have to attend consecutive Union meetings, and when that happened, there would be no need for such drastic action! CHRIS HALL. The 'Sales' slant WKLL boys and girls, the bickering season is upon us again and loud murmurings of discontent are showering down upon the present executive. Personally, I think the executive has done very well this year in cleaning up some of the havoc wreaked upon it by previous Broad IjCft administrations. There is no doubt in my mind that, should the union return to a Broad Left domi- nated executive then the trading activities which have done incredibly well this year, would once again become a liability to the union and not an asset. It seems that at last the executive and the school have realised that they have much in common and are more allies than enemies. Despite a period of ruinous inflation, I honestly believe that the Director and administration have done their Union in action over overseas students AFTER one of the largest demonstrations by overseas students held on November 20, 1975, the ILEA ¦proposed plan to immediately reduce the number of overseas students was "put on ice" temporarily. This action was only possible through the co-ordinated actions of CCOSO, ATT and NUS. Overseas students, of whom more than 60 per cent come from developing countries, suffer many forms of discrimination. Not only are they increasingly harassed by the ever-stricter interpretation, of the racist 1971 Immigration Act, which encourages the increased surveillance of foreign students, the •arbitrary acceptance or rejection ¦for admission into the country ac-¦ cording to the custom officials' assessment of the person's knowledge of the course he or she is about to pursue, the denial of the right to seek employment during the vacation, etc. etc. but they are also subject to discriminatory fees. Thus the DES announced a pro-¦posed increase of 30 per cent in tuition fees, making self-financing home students' fees up to £182 and those of foreign students up to £416 from £320. Only Britain, Ireland and Austria operate discriminatory fees in Western Europe. So frequently do we hear the call for the need to give aid to developing countries —what more valuable contribution could Britain make? Canada explicitly recognises these obligations and charges no fees to overseas students studying there. The £500 million cut in educational expenditure jeopardises not only the livelihood of hundreds of employees in education institutes, but the very existence of many of these institutes. Indeed, our own language department is being shut down. Increasingly the gains made by the policy of education expansion are being undermined if not totally set back. The staff/student ratio is increasing, and access to education is increasingly becoming the privilege of a select elite. Without the 95,000 overseas students (only two per cent more of the total student population than in 1961—so Where's the invasion then?)—the continuance of some courses, and therefore the variety of courses available to home students, would be threatened. Most of them take technical and engineering courses. More than 60 per cent of foreign students are self-financing. Many families save for years to ensure that at "least one of their children gets an education. They are not all oil millionaires, as Mr Boyson and Dr Hampson (Tory ed. spokesman) would have us believe. The call by the latter, and several other vociferous "experts" for the increase of fees to treble their present level, reflects their view of education as a saleable commodity on the market. It is vital that our Grants Action Committee actively campaigns for the end of discriminatory fees and against the attacks being made against overseas students. Overseas students comprise 45 per cent of the student population at LSE and they are urged to participate in the grants and cUts campaign. The Grants Action Committee meets on Mondays at 1 pm in the T.U. Room. Make sure you're there! The campaign is your campaign. TM utmost to get the union as much j money as possible this year, In my own personal dealings with the school over the festival, I found | them more than helpful, giving us all the facilities and help we could wish for. The move to Strand House | should give the union the greatest chance it has ever had to improve facilities for • students at LSE. I j would hate to see all our chances wrecked by the irresponsible action of the few, who, although they 1 claim they are really into helping their "own" . are nothing but a bunch of ego tripping, loudmouthed wreckers who achieve little | and spoil much. Criticism of the festival was much in evidence in the last edition of Beaver, especially over student participation. Personally, I felt that the support we received was very good and it came from the people we aimed to please. Just because the Broad Left thought it was a shitty idea and did bugger all to help is irrelevant. The important thing is that many ordinary students, who normally shy away froni all union affairs participated, enjoyed themselves, and raised money for charity. I therefore feel that the festival was a great success and that criticism is misplaced and misguided. I feel a measure of defence is needed for the entertainments committee whom many have branded as a bunch of drunken louts (drunk on union money). All I can say here is that I doubt if there is a harder working, more dedicated body anywhere within the union and all criticism of them is based more on jealousy than objectivity. Final conclusions — firstly, the executive this year is doing a bloody good job and don't let anyone persuade you otherwise. Secondly, much of the left wing criticism is of events and institutions of their own making. Take for instance the crap they come out with at UGM's: it's not surprising that people keep away. Thirdly, there is a legitimate "moderate role" to be played at this college. This is not a Tory role but more a conscientious, intelligent, socialistic role. Fourthly, if you want to see any real improvement in student facilities and union administration here keep the Broad Left, IS and IMG out of the positions of authority within the union, as they are dangerous and destructive. Fifthly, please don't believe the crap they come out with. Thank you. RICHARD SALES AT the Liberal Society meeting held on Thursday, January 15th, the newly-returned LSE Liberal Students Group discussed the role for libertarians within the university structure, and in particular how this affected the future activities of the Liberal Society. The meeting started with a short talk by Des O'Shea, a King's College student and chairperson of the South East England Young Liberal Federation, on the role of the student in the community! In the discussion that followed it was felt that much of student politics was irrelevant not only to the outside world but also to the majority of students. It seemed to be a sterile game, little related to the needs or aspirations of most students or workers. We recognise the importance of educating each other about political struggles, and of communicating facts about such situations as Angola, Chile, South Alrica etc, but where our concern is ~ not accompanied by action it becomes meaningless. Pious resolutions passed in Union Meetings are an opportunity to practise speech-making, but do little to alleviate or help anyone else. LSB Liberal Society is already involved with many campaigns (for example — BWNIC, women's campaign, disarmament campaign) but we believe that as a student group we also have a commitment outside the walls of university life, to the local community, in which we either live or work. In many areas of London, for example Covent Garden, there are community groups organised not only to build up a community identity among local people, but also to struggle for their rights against local councils and property developers. LSE Liberal students hope this term to maintain and strengthen the links we already have with these groups, and we would like to see other students taking a more active part in real community politics. For more information on the LSE Liberal Society—our meetings are 1 pm Thursdays, in the TV Room. LIBERAL SOC Broad Left goals "AGEING bores", "reformist hacks", "irrelevant extremists'", "just a bureaucratic election machine" are four of the accusations most frequently levelled at the Broad Left, both within LSE and nationally within NUS. Whilst the Broad Left has never claimed to have a monopoly on young, witty, original and germane rank-and-file revolutionaries, it is certainly the case that it has not sufficiently sought to explain itself and its actions publicly. This has been due partly to the fact that, until recently, the Broad Left was afflicted nationally with complacency. When the Broad Left lost important policy positions or elections at local level, this was too often seen as being an unfortunate but undoubtedly temporary aberration which could probably be explained in terms of the Right-wing having "packed" a particular meeting or because the "ultra-Left" adopted absurd political positions and divisive tactics in an election. In certain colleges the masses did not return the Broad Left "to its rightful place", and we are now seeing the emergence of the Right wing (Tories, Liberals and Labour "moderates" of the Prentice-Jenkins ilk), hence the Broad Left is having to re-examine its methods of relating to that now more elusive "mass of students". It is still jiot too late. So what is the Broad Left and what does it see as its goals? I Fundamentally, the Broad Left is |simply a forum for discussing issues ¦jwhich students are confronted with 'or are interested in and a forum for agreeing upon means by which students can give expression to the [conclusions reached. Thus the [Broad Left is in no sense a mem- bership organisation or a political party. There is no "line" wliich people disobey at the peril of expulsion. The Broad Left is not an ideologically unified group like the democratic centralist parties. It is a political alliance which will vary in strength and size depending upon the amount of agreement existing around any given issue. The political centre of gravity of the Broad Left is located somewhere around the National Organisation of Labour Students and the Communist Party—the two organised groupings within the Broad Left which have maintained a permanent presence. But the majority of people who regularly attend LSE Broad Left meetings and national Broad Left conferences are not members of either and have interests in a wide range of areas. The Broad Left therefore regards itself as part of the overall movement for socialism in this country. Many consistent supporters see the Broad Left as but one mechanism for winning people to sociahst politics. With poorly-attended Union Meetings, what everyone should be examining is exactly how the mass of students relate to the Union and perceive it importance and place in their essentially academic life. If the mass of students do not relate to the Union in the way that the Left would prefer, then the Left must examine its own practice and find out if it is in any wa.y to blame. It must be clear that the Left is partly to blame. "The grand issues'' have too frequently been opted for at the expense of very real questions (just as political) concerning courses, options, books, library facilities, teacher-student ratios and so on. Politics are where you find them —not where you would like them to be. BROAD LEFT BEAVER, Feb. 3id, 197G—Page Four And to cap it all This article is written to help prepare men for their eventual decision about what method of contraception would best suit them. It is a projection of what could be the available alternatives based on part-conjecture, part fact. The Male Pill This will probably appeal to the greatest number because of its relative "neatness". The pill would probably have to be taken every day and if missed might still be effective if taken not more than 12 hours later: but this will depend on the contents of each particular brand. Some men may be advised to abstain from sex until at least two weeks into their new cycle (of the new package). It would be wise to take the pill at the same time every day. Do not be put off by some of the side-effects but be forewarned that there may be some hormone imbalance which could possibly affect nipples, skin complexion, weight, body odour and perhaps hair growth in obvious and somewhat less obvious places (inner ears etc). Naturally the unusual always makes the newspapers, so men should be wary of the odd horror story where fatality is linked to taking an oral contraceptive. No promises are ever made during the experimental stages of new drugs about eventual causal links to cancer, but there is no way of knowing if. someone isn't willing to take some chances. Men on the pill may be encouraged to stop smoking for fear of thrombosis or other blood clotting. Since diabetes and other diseases can also affect such side effects, it must be strongly encour-¦acpd that you obtain the pill only on prescription following a medical examination. A last word of caution to the gentleman who decides to take his pills before going to sleep at night —always keep your packet with you since you might not always get home when these are most needed, and to be careful if after a heavy drinking bout you find yourself vomitin g before you have totally digested your pill. This last warning also goes for when a stomach illness miglit result in diarrhoea. Be safe, be careful. IPO The intra-penal device will soon be on the market and needs greater explanation due to its novelty. Shaped like a small inverted umbrella, it can only be inserted by a doctor or nurse. It will be slightly painful during insertion but the pain should subside once the body ceases to try to reject any strange objects. The IPD will probably be about 90 per cent effective, especially if used in conjunction with-a penis jelly - hot to be put off by Everyone's guide to contraception METHOD WHAT IS IT? ^ HOW IT IS USED ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES AVAILABILITY PiXl contains oestrogen/ £)r0{;©st02en taken daily for most or all the month; jji'events release and implantation of egg not effective for first Ik days of course very reliable easy to use needs a prescription ; sotTetimes side effects; need to remember to take it! from the FPA or doctor Condom or Sheath rukjber sheath fitted over eroct ponis sperms prevented from entering woman reliable when used with a spermicide; some protection against VD can slip off; certain 3a"ck of spontaneity most chemists, barbers, by mail order", FPA; 60p-£l for 12 Cap ox- rubber doute-shapod device ;>lacod over eistrnncc to womb prevents spei'm entering womb; used with spermicide doesn't interfere with periods, or produce chemical change in the womb must be inserted before intercovirse initial fitting by Dr generally lasts 6 mts; check for holes! Coil or Looi» or lUD sjiiali flexible coil or loot,' inoorted into the U'oiab probably stops fertilised egg ii«iflanting in wall of womb reliable; effective immediately; once inserted can be forgotten until yearly check by Dr. not advised before pi'egnancy; some discomfort oaii he experienced; can be expelled FPA Clinic, doctor Sporia-icides various types; aerosols, C film, creates, Jellies , I'-astes, soluble tablets, pessaries c!iep«ical baiTier formed prcvent'ing apei-ms passing it or kills them in the vagina must be used before intercourse, messy should only be i.;se0 you live near Camden Lock? If not, there's still no excuse not to visit the market at Dingwall's because it's right near Chalk Farm tube (a little south on the main road); and a 68 bus from outside the Aldwych Theatre will take you there too. Unlike the street market in Inverness Street (outside Camden tube), this is not a weekday market but is open on Saturdays and- Sundays only. Also, unlike the aforementioned, you will not find fruit and veg. and fishmongers' stalls here. Instead you are invited to purchase the delightful fruits of the labours of the freaky-arty-crafty-intellectual Camdeners' at amazingly low cost. This is the place to buy clothes, most stalls having notices— "Nothing over £1.50"; and you won't find any chain-store muck here either—if it isn't out of a Victorian attic (but renovated!) it's newly hand-made. One gifted lady sits at her stall knitting away, surrounded by millions of babies' and toddlers' clothes in. beautiful, bold colours and every row is straight and even! If you're into furs, you can get full-length second-hand coats of all kinds for £12, and when I went I bought a cape-length cloth coat for £1.50— practically new. Accessories also are cheap—real leather and crocodile clutch bags £l-£2, all manner of woolly gloves, scarves, necklaces, and then there are the antiques—cow creamers, cake stands, pipe racks, even C17 spectacles (tinted if you like). Or are you feeling ethnic—how about original and beautiful Mexican crafts (pottery, earrings etc.) or a pair of lace-up clogs "like they used to wear down't mill." Fresh homemade food is everywhere—pizza, super sausages, lentils and all kinds of macrobiotic fare. You can also have furniture made to order, or buy it antique/ junk shop style. Or maybe you just want the male clairvoyant to read your palm? Finally, fancy buying a flowering cactus—or does your push-bike need repairing? Well, this is the place. And apart from the records, candles and incense, there is nothing really mass-produced on sale, nor any off-putting selling tactics from the friendly stall-holders. M. DODD Cfiapel Market, Angel, Islington m CHAPEL MARKET is one of the most convenient markets for those living in Central London, being on a number of bus-i^outes, and open daily 8 am to 6 pm, half-days Thursday and Sunday. As London markets go this one is small but hence has the advantages that one can go from end to end comparing prices without ending up too bruised and shattered. Most of the stalls seil fruit and vegetables of a very good quality, but not as cheap as some markets out of the centre of town. There are also a couple of excellent fish stalls, selling delicacies such as squid and octopus. The fishmongers tend to wrap the fish up before One can ask for them to be filleted, so get the request in quickly. Most of the clothes sold here are cheap—and look it—but along the edge of the market several boutiques sell slightly imperfect garments with "Top Shop" and "Stirling" Cooper" labels inside, for pounds off the normal price. Another advantage is that, when bored with being trampled in Chapel Market you can cross the road and recover in the relative peace of Camden Passage antique and junk stalls. This place is now extremely trendy, and consequently everjthing is overpriced, so do not expect to get any bargains. It is still fun to look around though, if just to see how much money people will pay for junk! D. WOODS - 'BEST FILM... -BEST DIRECTOR' -NATIONAL BOARD OF REVIEW 'FILM OF THE YEAR' -AlexanderWalker, EVENING STANDARD "MARVELLOUS... ONE OF THE MOST ASTONISHINGLY BEAUTIFUL FILMS I HAVE EVER SEEN... A RARE EXPERIENCE." - Kenneth RotoisonTHE SPECTATOR "RAVISHING... OVERWHELMING... KUBRICK ASSERTS A CLAIM TO GREATNESS TIME ALONE CAN-AND PROBABLY WILL-CONFIRM." -Fitliard Schickel. TIME MAGAZINE R BiaiTiiig a film by KUBRICK O'NEAL ao^dmi^SAmR^NSON^ ftoroVN^nef Btk Q.h CcmmufiicationsCcmj'ar.y Soundtrack aibufn availabie or> Bror. vmrnuEU m ^ SHAFTESBURY AVE.saeseei FULHAW RD. 370^636 BAYSVVATER 2234149 SEPARATE PERFORWANCES -SEATS BOOKABLE LEICESTER SQUARE'439 07S1 WARNER WEST ENC 2 2.15,7.30, Suns 2.15, 7.30 Late Show Fri4 Sat i 1.20 ABC SHAFTESBURY AVE 2.30, S.OO, Suns 2.30, 8.00 Late Show Sat ll.AQ ABCFULHAMRD 2.30, 7.30 Suns 3.3S, 7.35 ABC BAYSWATER 2.30, 7.30 Suns 7.30 Late Show Sat 11.15 C0MIN© S©©N AT USE riLM see. « • •» « "DUCK SOUP"/ "HORSEFEATHERS" TUESDAY 3rd FEB Starring the Marx Brothers If you don't know who the Marx Brothers are, you are obviously a' person who never watches TV, reads books or goes to the cinema. However, for the majority of people in the LSE who are Marx Brothers fans, we are presenting a special double helping of unique Marx humour. "THE LAST DETAIL" THURSDAY 5th FEB Starring Jack Nicholson, Randy Quaid, directed by Hal Ashby A poignant depiction of a naive sailor's (naval) initiation into the ways of life during his transference to a naval detention centre. Bawdy with plenty of sex and violence, but humane and with humour. "DON'T LOOK NOW" TUESDAY 10th FEB Starring Julie Christie, Donald Sutherland Numb with grief following the death of her daughter, Laura Baxter accompanies her husband, John to Venice where he is restoring a church. There they meet two strange women who tell Laura that they have seen the ghost of their child. Laura becomes obsessed that her daughter is still alive, and becomes involved with the powers of evil. The police and local bishop are unable to help. Daphne du Mauriers shattering psychic blood - and - guts thriller is not recommended for those of a nervous disposition. "SOYLENT GREEK" THURSDAY 12th FEB Very recent and horrific picture of a future Britain in which the old and infirm are turned into human food, Soylent Green, and consumed by the population. Cheap Jn tasty This week, to celebrate the arrival of herbs and spices in the union shop, I present a Daily Mirror-style 'cut out and keep' herb chart. The essentials for making cheap grub edible are marked with an asterisk. Happy mixing! NAME DESCRIPTION USES BASIL Aromatic, spicy scent, pungent leaves and stems. With shellfish, salads, tomatoes, tomato soups/ sauces, spaghetti, goes well with olive oil. BAY LEAVES* BORAGE BOUQUET GARNI Mildly aromatic, Stocks, stews, pates, slightly bitter taste. Tastes of cucumber. A bunch of herbs, essentials for a bouquet are: parsley, thyme, bay leaf — others may be added. Mixed with fresh cream cheese. Meat dishes, soups, stews and stocks. CELERY CHERVIL Leaves and stems. Soups, stocks, stews. Like parsley only more delicate. Soups, stews, grilled fish, egg dishes, salads, sauce hollandaise. CHIVES" Onion family, cate flavour. deli- Gamish for: new potatoes, carrots, courgettes, salads, cream soups, makes savoury herb butter. CORIANDER Bitter, orange peel scent. Used in Arabian, South American especially Mexican, cookerj'. Pork, Iamb, chutney, cream cheese, braised celery, celery soup, ¦buns, biscuits, cakes, apple pie, stewed fruit. DILL Paint caraway - like taste. Fish, vegetables, salads, cucumbers, new potatoes. FENNEL FINES HERBES Aromatic, sweet, anise-flavoured. Mixture of parsley, cher\'il, chives and tarragon. As a bed for grilling and flaming, in sauces, m salads. Omelettes, grilled fish, chicken and herb butter for grilled meat and roasts. GARLIC*** Strong, aromatic bulb (a bulb can usullay be divided into about lour cloves). MINT* Menthol, sweet taste. slightly Can be used in anything savoury, especially, French, Italian dishes, wine cooked stews, soups, stocks, pates, grilled/roast meats, in butter, salad dressing, vinaigrette, etc. On peas, new potatoes, tomato salads, cream cheese, buttered carrots, stewed mushrooms, mint butter, mint sauce, with cucumber, in pea soup. Next week, spices. For more information about herbs and spices, see "Cooking with spices and herbs", IVIayflower purse books, 1flp. MICHELLE DODD _BE^'^ER, Feb.Srd, 19*6—Page Seven Reviews ENTSNEWS STRANGE DAYS Feb. 6th: Luncht-ime in the Theatre DONT fail to be in the Old Theatre between 1pm and 2pm this Friday, because we are probably going to have one of the finest lunchtime concerts for a long time. By no means total strangers to the LSE stage, they are a band full of youthful dynamism, skill and potential,—one of the supergroups of future years. Following in the footsteps of English heroes, such as Genesis, Jethro Tull and Procul Harum, Strange Days have the capacity to. fill the void left by the effective departure of Genesis. They create a deep, rich, melodic sound, dramatic but not corny, mystic but not weird. All four members are very competent musicians, especially Eddie Spence on keyboards. Lunchtinae concerts have been poorly attended of late. This is a shame because it is very disheartening for a promising band to play to a half empty hall when the concert is free, and also because a lot of people are missing good, free music and entertainment. country, when it should consolidate its already substantial UK following; drawing large crowds wherever they play and raising the question yet again — why no album releases in this country? Whilst absorbing the influences of Anglo American rock, ANGE have managed to produce something both their own and characteristically French. Their concept is broadly medieval with their songs often about madness, the fantastic and even possession. Christian Deschamps writes most of the material, plays orgari and acts out the lyrics of the songs. His brother Francois is the second Keyboard player and onstage is decked out in a black habit with a stocking over his face playing "Death". ANGE seem to be striving for something grandoise, something more lasting than a short single. They are creating something new by building on the traditions of their own culture and fusing them with imported traditions relating to French culture. Live ANGE are possibly one of the most arresting bands one can see; the power of the music is almost overwhelming and they are intensely visual. The two keyboards create vast expanses of sound, often building up eerie feelings. Their final number "Live" is usually about an epic struggle between Ufe and death. They have often been described as the "French Genesis" which is unfair as they are very different. However to the layman this is possibly the most apt description. SNAFU Wed., Feb. 11 th, 7.30 p.m. (Not yet confirmed) THIS gig, in aid of charity (the Grays Inn Road Play Centre) sees the return to LSE of old favourites. SNAFU are one of the tightest, liveliest, funkiest bands around and sadly they have not received all the recognition they deserve. If you haven't already seen them, give them a look; if you have seen them and enjoyed them, go again. Dave Stewart . ot •the necessary e^^fct will be delivered in,-.time; -Spglication forms can-^ .be obtai^d the Welfare Olflce the' . Health Ser- vice, or, as soon as the painters and other workmen are finished, from the nursery itself. Even if you have already written to me, please come and fill in an application form so that I have full details of sessions required etc. "If any of you have any toys in good condition wliich you would like to donate (that is, if you are sure you've quite finished playing with them!) please don't hesitate to bring them to the nursery. We would also be glad of empty yog hurt containers, empty cheese boxes etc—in fact, anything which a child can transform with some painty paste and imagination. I am looking forward to having your children in the nursery and hope they will be very happy there. Please give us your full support." SD Abortion Compaign JAMES WHITE'S Bill has fallen in name only. In actual fact the situation is now worse than it was in June 1975 when 25.000 people publicly demonstrated their opposition to his Abortion (Amendment) Bill! Under the guise of more sophisticated language to "deal with abuses'", women's rights to safe, legal abortions have already deteriorated. Since October, when Barbara Castle accepted the restrictive recommendations of the predominantly anti - abortionist Select Committee there are now: Ik Quotas on the numbers of foreign women using the private sector ? Restrictions on terminations after 20 Vi'eeks ? Only formal—rather than informal and accessible—referral agencies ? Disciplinary procedures against doctors. The Select Committee how wishes to focus its attack on eliminating the social grounds for terminations. This will effectively disqualify two-¦ thirds of the women who benefited from the 1967 Act. Whether or not the Select Committee continues in its pernicious work depends on the outcome of the free vote in Parliament now set for MONDAY, 9 FEBRUARY between 7-9 pm. Further restrictions mean greater back-street danger: It is vital that people do more now than they ever did before to halt the pressure of the compulsory motherhood lobby. They are vocal. They are active. Have you even written or sent' a telegram to your M.P. telling him to vote against reconstituting this committee? Your silence cannot be heard. The National Abortion Campaign are organising a meeting near parliament duriing this debate, followed by publicity-catching activity. Watch notices for details of time and location for Monday, 9 February. Without your active support, it will never be a woman's right to choose, but that of the anti-abortionists! Keep Monday, 9 February free and tell your friends or don't be surprised at the outcome. Library plans emerge, slowly THIS week, for the first time, the haze of mystery which has been hanging over the new LSE Library has begun to lift, as the plans were revealed to the library staff whose enthusiasm has waxed accordingly. When the Webbs founded LSE, they made a new appeal to found a National Library for the Social Sciences, to form a new laboratory for social research. They believed that if you were going to govern the country properly you could only make the right decisions if you knew the facts and figures. The British Library of Political and Economic Science was set up independently of the School, to act as a central source of information. Although it has been run and paid for by the School for a long time now, it is still a separate body, and takes very seriously its responsibility to people outside the School. Last year, 6,000 people from outside the School used the library, about half, from all over Bx'itain, Europe and America, were engaged on research projects. The nevf premises for the library ¦were bought in December 1973 from W. H. Smith, who still occupy them. The Government's condition that they should pay half the cost of the premises if the School paid the other half was comphed with after national and international appeals for funds. However, it was only following their recent disclosure of an approximation of the proposed sum that plans could be positively drawn up—although not with the flourish anticipated, due to the current restrictions on Government spending, with v^hich we are all familiar. We have, however, received a large slice of the univer- sity building budget, enough to provide adequate facilities, if not luxurious ones. A proof was drawn up for the architects, showing what kind of library was needed, and subsequently approved by the library committee and building committee of the School. A representative from each department' of the library is at present negotiating with the architects, which should lead to a better understanding of the workings of the library, with a view to eventual improvements; the library staff are anticipating an invitation to survey the premises in the near future. When W. H. Smith vacate the premises on March 31st, the engineers and builders will be able to move in, but it will take two years to complete. During the summer of '78 the big move of the library's 2i million pieces of information, including 660,000 bound volumes and a multitude of Government publications, will hopefully take place. The Strand House building with its huge area and floors of a strength equivalent to two feet of reinforced concrete is ideal. In it. 920,000 volumes and 1,564 readers can be accommodated. At the moment 50.000 books are in store in Finsbury and 20,000 are in Egham, Surrey, from where they can be summoned via a daily van -service. The present library accommodates 943 readers, with additional seats for 150 in the Teaching Library. So not only will the seating capacity be increased by 50 per cent but 33 per cent will be added to the size of the School by the vacation of the main building. The future of this 33 per cent is a source of increasing curiosity. Mr Clarke, the Librarian, outlines his ambitions in terms of the services. Through an increased use of computers, new reference services should be available to library users, including the compilation of bibliographies on all subjects for research students. "The London Bibliography of the Social Sciences" will be produced directly from the catalogue cards, due to the acquisition of additional fiexowriters. The top floors of Strand House will be lit from a central dome. On each of the six floors will be books on open access arranged in subject order, together with reading areas for the relevant subject and hopefully a member of the library staff to advise. On the ground floor will be a large cloakroom, the teaching library and access to all information and catalogues. Current periodicals will be more advantageously displayed than at present, as will the statistics currently to be found in Room S; there will be a special reading-room for Government publications, a large area for rare books and manuscripts on the third floor, and on the sixth floor a large readers' lounge, possibly with some form of catering. It could be argued that the latter was a necessity, in view of the volume of readers and staff. Another extra will be the carrels—small rooms where research students can do long-term projects and keep papers overnight. Your opinions on any aspect of the library, from arrangement of books to catering or ventilation for which arrangements seem undecided, can be voiced when the Undergraduate Studies Sub - Committee meets. MS Language Dept. - By VICKI LEONARD i , a t^ember of the Language • Department/ - i THE language; dep^artrtie^ fWclng' cfosurer a^'fact nof t by the students of the department themselves until two weeks ago. The decision was taken by the standing sub-committee of the appointments com-miitee, a body seemingly in possession of scant information regarding the nature or importance of the department. Admissions have confirmed that there are no language studies degrees involving Russian, Spanish, German or linguistics being offered next session. The French studies degree is being retained, but as a degree course of the Centre for International Studies. There will, therefore be no language department within three years at the most. There is considerable doubt as to whether there will be sufficient staff to teach existing students in the department. For example, the linguistics depart- ment, already understaffed due ¦ to education cutS; implemented ; last'yedi;^, consists.of three full- of whom hold teniiporarV contracts. In a letter from the Pro-Director they were informed that their reappointment was uncertain. If their contracts are not renewed, there will be only one full-time lecturer for the three remaining years of students, a situation that is obviously unacceptable to the existing students. The academic standard of the department has hitherto been exceptionally high, yet the administration seems prepared to deprive existing students of a good degree. Inter-collegiate teaching is carried out by the language department at LSE ; it is the only college at London University to offer options with a slant on the Social Sciences. The implications of the threatened closure of the language department are also very serious for the other small departments at LSE. NUS FILMS THE NUS film festival is being held at the Thames Polytechnic from llth to 21st February. The films will be predominantly contemporary American, and the programme includes short talks by various directors. The Films: A sprinkling of commercial successes worth considering include: Saturday 14th—The Night Porter followed by Dog Day Afternoon (starting 2 p.m.). Sunday 15th—Chinatown (12 a.m.'). Return of the Pink Panther (8 p.m.). The Candidate (12 p.m.). Monday 16th—Night Moves (10 p.m.). Tuesday 17th—Romeo and Juliet (10 a.m.) and Gunfight (12 a.m.). The Cost: 50p.a day; £2.50 for full 10 days. How to Get There: .Main Line train from Charing Cross to Woolwich Arsenal. 2 mins. walk from station. Further Information: See Beaver Daily News for programme changes or ring Thames Poly—854 2030. Details of films on February 18th-21st in next issue. Classified THE Overseas Student Support Group is beginning on Friday, 6th February, to take place between 4 and 5. Any student wishing to discuss with others why London and the LSE did not meet their expectations should contact either Penny Rockley (Student Health Service) or Elana Ehrlich (Welfare Office). THERE will be a playgroup from Monday 23rd Feb to 27th Feb, under the supervision of a trained ILEA teacher. Assistants will still be needed, so please volunteer any free hours.—See Elana (S.lOO). LITERATURE available in the Welfare Office: (a) British Rail Passenger Timetable for Great Britain and international travel (May 1975-76); (b) Sex and 'VD. NEWS has penetrated the "Beaver" Office that some students would like to see an "Exchange and Mart" column on the back page of each issue. Always happy to oblige, so if you want to buy/sell/exchange anything—books, records, accommodation, you name it!—please leave your ad in the "Beaver" Office, S116. All for FREE! Film Soc mis-report THIS year has been an excellent one for the film society. Our films have been exceptionally well-attended and the choice of films has been praised throughout the school for the showing of progressive, thought-provoking films (such as Death Wish). Financially we have enjoyed a most resounding year. By keeping our fees higher than needed, we have done more than break-even. Our assets of (estimated) £2,000 have been preserved and we can continue to build on these. (We might even be able to invest in local Government stock). It has been suggested by some 'hacks' that we • might like to redistribute our profits, for instance give the money to the nursery. This to us is totally repugnant, we have nothing to do with the S.U. And these Anarchists typically, totally fail to understand that it is investment from societies like ours w'hich keep this country going. Under the erstwhile chairmanship of the super-capitalist, non-political ("hang the hacks!") Paul Brown we shall continue our expansion and the market could even take a 50 per cent, increase in our membership fees thereby lioosting growth. This Beaver was produced by Sheree Dodd, N i k k i Tait, Richard Blackett, Peacock, Michael Cleary, Anton Chapman, Mary Sewell, Deborah Wood, with help from Mary Butterworth, Mungo Deans, Michelle Dodd, Acmed and Paul Brown. All opinions expressed are those of the writers. @ London School of Economics and Students' Union 1976. Printed by Ripley Printers Ltd., Ripley, Derby. Published by London School of Economics and Political Science. Students' Union, St. Clement's Buildings, Claremarket, London, WC2A 2AK.