§ Q2. Mr. Ashleyasked the Prime Minister how many ministerial broadcasts he has now made since assuming office.
§ Mr. Edward ShortI have been asked to reply.
My right hon. Friend has made three ministerial broadcasts since March, Sir.
§ Mr. AshleyWill my right hon. Friend ask the Prime Minister in any future broadcast to refer to our system of compensation, which is so archaic and outrageously unjust that many thousands of people who are gravely injured are now denied compensation of any kind? Will he ask the Prime Minister to call for the Pearson Royal Commission on Compensation to make an interim report on the victims of car accidents? Will he give an assurance to the House that in any future legislation the Government will seek to ensure that, where appropriate, the recommendations of the commission are retrospective?
§ Mr. ShortI know of my hon. Friend's great interest in this and I shall certainly pass on to my right hon. Friend his suggestion about the interim report. I cannot say anything about the Royal Commission.
§ Mr. Tom KingIn view of the obvious importance to this country—endorsed by the Government—of the miners' productivity scheme, will the right hon. Gentleman explain why the Prime Minister has totally failed to give any leadership on this issue? Would not this have been a very suitable matter for a ministerial broadcast?
§ Mr. ShortI repudiate entirely the premise on which that question is based. My right hon. Friend gives splendid leadership to the country.