§ 45. Miss Burtonasked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement giving further details of Government policy as outlined in the Queen's Speech on the efforts proposed to secure a just balance between the expanding demands of the modern State and the freedom and status of the individual.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)As this Parliament proceeds, the outline of Government policy given in the Gracious Speech will be filled in. Meanwhile, I hope that the 551 hon. Member will be satisfied with such Measures as the Town and Country Planning Bill, which has been given a Second Reading without a Division, and the Emergency Laws (Repeal) Bill.
§ Miss BurtonIn the context of "a just balance" and the "status of the individual", would the Prime Minister look into the position whereby organisations are to use Government money for discrimination against more than one half of the population? Is he aware that the Building Societies Association has issued a statement that it does discriminate against women in the granting of mortgage loans, simply because they are women? Does not the Prime Minister feel that this is not only out of date, but stupid and unfair? The women's organisations are very concerned about this. Would the right hon. Gentleman look into this statement, if I send it to him, as it affects the Queen's Speech?
§ The Prime MinisterI will, of course, be very glad to read any communication that the hon. Lady might send to me, and I will do my best to reply to it, if I can find a suitable envelope for my reply. Meanwhile, I think that, perhaps, this matter might best be discussed when we come to the details of the Bill itself.