HC Deb 09 May 1978 vol 949 cc972-3
Q4. Mr. Shersby

asked the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 9th May.

The Prime Minister

I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Ormskirk (Mr. Kilroy-Silk).

Mr. Shersby

Could the Prime Minister find time today to study the results of the council elections in the London borough of Hillingdon, in which the Labour Party was smashed? Is he aware that one of the reasons for this debacle was the refusal of his party to sell council houses to the tenants who wished to buy them? Will he now instruct the Secretary of State for the Environment to take early steps to increase the discount which should be available to my constituents to buy their own homes, as a result of that election?

The Prime Minister

I shall pass on the hon. Member's suggestions to the Secretary of State. I do not know know whether it involves yet another increase in public expenditure. If it does not, that will at least help to salve some of the fiscal irresponsibility shown by the Opposition last night. I am quite happy to take last week's election results for what they are, if the hon. Member is.

Mr. Swain

I understand the irrelevance of the previous question, but will my right hon. Friend seriously consider using his tremendous influence in the country during the next party political broadcast on behalf of the Labour Party to explain to the people what effect last night's amendment will have on the poor and the rich?

The Prime Minister

It is well known that last night's amendment can have no effect for the millions of people who do not pay the standard rate of tax, but, naturally, it helps everyone who pays the standard rate. If the amendments that we are still to discuss are passed, that will not only increase the irresponsibility of the Opposition but will increase materially the difference between the poor and the rich.

Mr. Hugh Fraser

Will the Prime Minister consult the Foreign Secretary in view of the report on the tape that one of the Falkland Islands has been occupied by the Argentine? Will he arrange for the Foreign Secretary to make a statement tomorrow?

The Prime Minister

Yes, I shall be consulting the Foreign Secretary about this matter. I understand that a protest has been made about the occupation of this island, which clearly is within the sovereignty of this country. I understand that the island is several hundred miles from the Falkland Islands, that it was unoccupied and has been occupied by what is said to be a scientific party. Clearly this is a serious matter. I shall certainly ask the Foreign Secretary to consider what the right hon. Member says.

Mr. Ashton

Will my right hon. Friend take time off today to listen to the broadcast after the Cup Final on Saturday, which the Leader of the Opposition attended as part of her one-man duties? Is he aware that when she was asked who the man of the match was, she said "The good-looking, blond-haired No. 10 for Ipswich, Trevor Whymark". who was not even playing?