§ Q5. Mr. Pentlandasked the Prime Minister how many representations have been made to him by trading, commercial and industrial concerns, expressing anxiety and concern at the current economic position prevailing in Great Britain; and what replies he has sent.
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Member will be glad to know that very few of the letters I receive fall within the category he has described. In replying to my post I deal with the points raised by my correspondents.
§ Mr. PentlandWould not the Prime Minister agree that grave concern is being expressed about our economic position and other matters of policy throughout 238 the country as a whole? Is the Prime Minister aware that this concern is being further aggravated because of rumour and counter-rumour in the Press about his personal standing in his own party? Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it would be in the national interest if he now decided to seek a fresh mandate from the electorate about his party's future policy?
§ The Prime MinisterThat might be a very interesting suggestion, but it is not the Question on the Order Paper, which asks what answers I make to my correspondents.