HC Deb 11 April 1963 vol 675 cc1473-4
Q5. Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Prime Minister what was the reply of the Scottish Trades Union Congress to his letter dated 15th March, 1963.

The Prime Minister

The Scottish Trades Union Congress thanked me for my letter and promised to reply later.

Mr. Hamilton

Is the Prime Minister aware that I know of the contents of the letter and that the Scottish T.U.C. expressed dissatisfaction with the right hon. Gentleman's original reply? Is he aware that, contrary to what he said in the House last week in reply to a Question on the same subject which I put to him, his letter did not cover nor did the Budget cover many of the points incorporated in the original memorandum of the Scottish T.U.C.? When will the right hon. Gentleman show the courtesy to the Scottish T.U.C. of replying to all the points in the memorandum, most of which were not touched on in the Budget?

The Prime Minister

I am waiting now for the detailed reply from the Scottish T.U.C. It has always treated me with the greatest courtesy, and I try to do the same. This seems to annoy the hon. Member. I do not know why.

Mr. Hamilton

Is the Prime Minister aware that it is not courtesy to ignore deliberately many of the major points in the memorandum?

The Prime Minister

I answered some and I said that others would be answered later, and they were largely covered by the Budget. I am awaiting the reply. The letter was couched in the most courteous language, and certainly the same courtesy was shown when I met the representatives. I also said that if they wished to see me again I should be very happy to meet them. They know that.