LOOKING BACK

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 50 YEARS AGO

The parent-teachers’ association of Cambridge High School in East London has sent a circular letter to parents asking if they object to their children, including girls, being fingerprinted. The move follows theft and vandalism at the school. No objections have been received. It is understood that the police are planning to fingerprint more than 500 pupils and staff, but the commander at the Cambridge police station has refused to comment. The chairman of the association, Mr HM Hinwood, said that a parent and the police had suggested the mass fingerprinting. — October 13 1968

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 25 YEARS AGO

Finance Minister Derek Keys is behind a last-ditch attempt to defuse the petrol price crisis. The oil industry is examining its margins to see what immediate cuts can be made to the petrol price. Transport and Energy Affairs Ministers Piet Welgemoed and George Bartlett are investigating the possibility of providing subsidies for the mini bus taxi industry. Taxi and union federations will meet on Thursday to formulate an action plan to protest against both the price increase and the Government’s rejection of the National Economic Forum recommendation that it be rolled back pending a detailed investigation. An industry source says the industry believes that a margin increase is justified, but that 0,5c/l is not worth the political heat generated. — October 17 1993