§ Q3. Mr. Skinnerasked the Prime Minister what provisions he has made for the exercise of his responsibilities during his absence at sea during the last week in July and the first week in August, 1971.
§ The Prime MinisterThe usual provisions, Sir. But if the hon. Gentleman is expecting me to be out of London throughout the period, he will find himself, as usual, much mistaken.
§ Mr. SkinnerWill the Prime Minister confirm that, if he is unable to lead the British team in the Admiral's Cup, a Mr. Sampson will be in charge? While many of us will wish him success, some of us must be sceptical about the prospects of any Sampson performance that is played solo. Does the Prime Minister realise that, while he has been playing at this rich man's sport for the past 12 months, millions of ordinary working-class people have been having their sails trimmed by this reactionary Government?
§ The Prime MinisterI have been asked to captain the Admiral's Cup team and I intend to do so. My only comment is that the hon. Gentleman appears to have a rather strange way of wishing one success.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasCan my right hon. Friend throw some light on what is bugging the hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner) about the Prime Minister's nautical activities? Is it the fact that my right hon. Friend sails or the fact that he wins?
§ The Prime MinisterI will not claim to fathom the workings of the hon. Gentleman's mind, if that is what he possesses. The hon. Gentleman claims to be a sportsman both in tennis and in cricket. It might be to the benefit of the House as well as of himself if he devoted more attention to those games.