§ Q4. Mr. Douglasasked the Prime Minister if he will pay an official visit to Debden in Essex.
§ The Prime MinisterI have no plans to do so.
§ Mr. DouglasWould the right hon. Gentleman not acknowledge that he should have taken the opportunity to exonerate the workers at the Bank of England's printing works at Debden from charges of excessive over-production in the creation of notes? Would he also acknowledge or deny that, if the Government continue to rely excessively on monetary policy, we could well reach unemployment in the region of two million?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Gentleman must hold a rather over-simplified view of monetary policy and monetary control. Bank notes and coins represent only 20 per cent. of the total money supply available.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIs my right hon. Friend aware that forays into Essex from north of the Border will be met with appropriate parliamentary retaliation? Is he further aware that my Debden constituents will be delighted to receive him, 1114 as they are among his firmest supporters in resisting inflationary wage demands? When the First Lord of the Treasury decides to inspect the money supply at the Bank of England printing works, will he take with him the hon. Member for Chigwell (Mr. Biggs-Davison), who so far has not been able to gain admittance?
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Even questions on county patriotism must be brief.
§ The Prime MinisterNor, I suspect, has the hon. Member for East Stirling-shire (Mr. Douglas). I prefer to follow the traditions of the House and to accept invitations from those who represent their constituencies.