§ Q2. Mr. Martenasked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied that the threats to disrupt the economy during the winter have now been averted; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. As the hon. Gentleman will have noticed, the winter is now over.
§ Mr. MartenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the "winter of discontent" for the Government is not over? Could he give an assurance that the Government are plotting some more really purposive action to deal with the plots which these men might carry out in the forthcoming summer?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. The Question relates to the winter; and I understand that the quotation which the hon. Gentleman was regaling goes on to refer to "this sun of York". This is a continuing problem. I certainly agree that we must be extremely vigilant in these matters. Some of the anxieties which we had in particular industries turned out to go the other way. The hon. Gentleman will be aware, as we have repeatedly told the House, that in certain cases, and particularly in the case of the docks, a very heavy cost was involved, as a result of what happened.
§ Sir W. Bromley-DavenportWould the right hon. Gentleman get a member of his staff to get on the hot line to Dudley and relate the great news which has just been disclosed in the Answer to 1719 this Question—or does he think that that would have no effect on the result?