§ Q2. Mr. Townsendasked the Prime Minister if he has any plans to visit Welling, Kent.
§ The Prime MinisterI have at present no plans to do so.
§ Mr. TownsendIs the Prime Minister aware that yesterday one of his Ministers decided to close down the last two remaining hospitals in my constituency? Why are so many so-called cottage hospitals, many of which are highly efficient and well modernised, being closed down at a time when Ministers are calling for more community care?
§ The Prime MinisterWith respect to the hon. Gentleman, I think that it would be preferable if he would table a question of that sort to the Secretary of State for Social Services. There is a well-known policy for building district hospitals. It has been discussed and debated in the House many times. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to raise a particular matter I suggest that he table a Question to my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. FauldsIf my right hon. Friend gets on the wrong train when he does not intend to go to Welling and by some fortunate mischance lands up in Smethwick, will he make a speech there roundly condemning the racialist nonsense and the Nazi nature of the National Front? I can assure him of a very sympathetic hearing from the moderate and tolerant people of the West Midlands.
§ The Prime MinisterMy hon. Friend has always been in the forefront in condemnation of this sort. I reiterate how pleased I am that the broadcast undertaken on behalf of the Labour Party last week has aroused such public interest, and, I am glad to say, some controversy, too, because it is as well that our attitudes should be clearly out in the open and that we should understand where we are. All my hon. Friends and I stand against racialism of any description at any time and in any place.
§ Mr. FairbairnWhen the Prime Minister is on his way to Welling, by whatever means, or to Smethwick, will he take time to read the rather seedy newsletter of the Scottish National Party, called "Focus", in which the views of our Ambassador in Washington, whom he may know, and who is what I belies is called an economist, are prayed in aid of the Scottish National Party? It says that Scotland should have an independent 911 monetary system and an independent exchange as the foundation stone of the benefits that Scotland is about to enjoy. Does the Prime Minister agree with those views, and does he think it right that the Ambassador in Washington should air them, or does he think that the Scottish National Party is taking advantage of this poor, underprivileged youth?
§ The Prime MinisterI am sure that the Ambassador in Washington is capable of looking after himself against the hon. and learned Gentleman at any time. As for the general sentiments expressed by the hon. and learned Gentleman, for once I find myself in agreement with him.