BEXLEYHEATH (Hansard, 13 May 1976)

§ Q3. Mr. Townsend
asked the Prime Minister if he will pay an official visit to Bexleyheath.

§ The Prime Minister
I have at present no plans to do so.

§ Mr. Townsend
Will the Prime Minister come and have a fatherly word with the Bexleyheath Labour Party? Having opposed Britain's entry into Europe and his election as leader of the Labour Party, the Bexleyheath Labour Party is now opposing the Government's belated expenditure restraints, claiming that they are contrary to the party manifesto.

§ The Prime Minister
I would sooner hear the views of the Bexleyheath Labour Party direct than through the mouth of the hon. Gentleman. I fancy that he has plenty of troubles of his own without concerning himself with anyone else's.

§ Mr. Madden
Whether the Prime Minister goes to Bexleyheath or anywhere else, he will find that many working people have a great resentment of golden handshakes, which are being paid by private companies to more and more directors. Private companies would have more profits to invest if they paid out less in golden handshakes to directors.

§ The Prime Minister
I agree with my hon. Friend. I am sure that this creates a great deal of resentment. On the matter of differentials, we must make sure that energy, enterprise and responsibility are properly rewarded—[Interruption.] Hon. Members opposite cheer, but I do not think that in matters of golden handshakes they have anything at all to cheer about. They and some of their followers have been some of the exemplars of golden handshakes. There is a difference between my hon. Friend's criticism and rewarding responsibility as it should be rewarded.
Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop: If the Prime Minister is not visiting Bexleyheath, will he pay an official visit to the House of Commons to answer Questions as First Lord of the Treasury on Treasury matters at a time when financial policy is crucial to this country, instead of leaving it to one of his junior Ministers—the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

§ The Prime Minister
The intellectual stature and stamina shown by the Chancellor in the recent negotiations deserve the praise of everyone.