HC Deb 09 July 1964 vol 698 cc619-20
Q1. Mr. A. Lewis

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make an official visit to the constituency of West Ham, North, on 27th July, in view of the fact that he will be in east London on that date.

The Prime Minister (Sir Alec Douglas-Home)

I regret that my programme for 27th July is already full up and I am therefore unable to accept the hon. Gentleman's invitation, but I am glad he recognises the value of these meetings.

Mr. Lewis

I, too, am sorry that the Prime Minister cannot find time to come. I agree with him that it would appear that no good would be done either to him or to his party if he were to come.

The Prime Minister

The hon. Gentleman should not be too sure. I might come some time. He had better look out.

Mr. H. Wilson

As one who recognises the value of these meetings, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he knows how keenly his visit to the Liverpool area is anticipated, particularly since he has chosen the period of the annual holiday at Liverpool in which to come?

The Prime Minister

I shall be very surprised if there are not plenty of people present to meet me.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Does not the question of the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. A. Lewis) and the fact that he has to be supported by the Leader of the Opposition reveal their very great nervousness at the mounting popular support for the Conservative Party, led by my right hon. Friend, and the great success of his tours to meet the British people?

Mr. Speaker

Order. It is no duty of the Prime Minister to express quasi-medical opinions about a state of nerves.

Mrs. Braddock

Is the Prime Minister aware that people in the Exchange Division of Liverpool very much resent his refusal to meet me when he visits my constituency or to see some of the shocking conditions under which people have had to live during the period of office of this Government? In view of the fact that he has refused to do so, may I tell him that I hope he gets a very warm reception in my constituency?

The Prime Minister

I shall look forward to the warm reception, which is what I have had everywhere. I cannot go everywhere, of course, in one day.