HC Deb 06 April 1971 vol 815 cc237-8
Q2. Mr. Peter Archer

asked the Prime Minister if he wil place in the Library a copy of his speech to the Conservative Local Government Conference at Newcastle-upon Tyne, on 13th March on the promotion of individual responsibility.

Q14. Mr. John D. Grant

asked the Prime Minister if he will place in the Library a copy of his public speech made to the Conservative Local Government Conference at Newcastle on 13th March, 1971, concerning inflation and other matters.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Reginald Maudling)

I have been asked to reply.

My right hon. Friend did so on 15th March.

Mr. Archer

Is not it the Government's case that individual responsibility is best promoted in the poor by increased optical, dental and prescription charges, by cuts in welfare milk and increased charges for school meals, and best promoted in the rich by substantial tax concessions to the higher income groups; that is, in the poor by making them poorer, and in the rich by making them richer?

Mr. Maudling

In the Government's view, individual responsibility and the welfare of the community as a whole are enhanced by reducing taxation.

Mr. Grant

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of us would like to congratulate the Prime Minister on the obvious impact he had on the level of pay settlements in the private sector in his recent talks with Mr. Henry Ford? Does he agree with me that Mr. Ford accorded the Prime Minister's views the respect they deserve?

Mr. Maudling

I think that the hon. Gentleman is anticipating a later Question.