HC Deb 14 July 1964 vol 698 cc1018-9
Q1. Mr. Pentland

asked the Prime Minister what recent representations he has received from industrial and commercial sources about the country's current economic and political position; and what has been the nature of his reply.

The Prime Minister (Sir Alec Douglas-Home)

The nature of my replies must depend on the nature of the representations.

Mr. Pentland

Is the Prime Minister aware that concern has been expressed by certain financial and commercial interests about the country's political position particularly with regard to the timing of the General Election? In order to avoid speculation about outside pressures being brought to bear upon him, can we take it that before the House rises for the Summer Recess the right hon. Gentleman will make an announcement about the date of the General Election?

The Prime Minister

I do not think that I am susceptible to outside pressures, and now that the hon. Member has disclosed his question I hope that he will put it on the Order Paper.

Sir C. Osborne

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that the present economic position is the finest this country has ever known?

Mr. Pentland

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the pressures to which I am referring concern the reference made last week by the noble Lord, Lord Poole, to the General Election? Can the right hon. Gentleman clarify that assumption by Lord Poole?

The Prime Minister

I could not possibly have detected that from the Question on the Order Paper.