HC Deb 03 April 1979 vol 965 cc1163-4
Q3. Mr. Wrigglesworth

asked the Prime Minister when last he met the Trades Union Congress.

The Prime Minister

I meet representatives of the TUC from time to time at the National Economic Development Council and on other occasions. Further meetings will be arranged as necessary.

Mr. Wrigglesworth

Will my right hon. Friend consult the northern regional council of the TUC about the future of regional policy and particularly the threat of the Conservative Party to dismantle regional policy should it gain office? Is he aware that an application has been made for special development area status for the whole of the Teesside area? Will he indicate how that application has progressed?

The Prime Minister

I believe a meeting is arranged between Ministers and representatives of Teesside on the question of advancing Teesside to special development area status. The area has received a great deal of assistance during the lifetime of this Government. But if, as my hon. Friend indicates, the policy enunciated by the right hon. Member for Leeds, North-East (Sir K. Joseph) were to be put into effect, Teesside could kiss all that goodbye, and a lot more, too.

Mrs. Thatcher

Will the Prime Minister discuss with the TUC as well as the House the actual level of rate increases which are published today? Is he aware that the forecast by the Secretary of State for the Environment of a level of rate increases in single figures has turned out at something like 19.2 per cent. on average? Whom does he blame for that?

The Prime Minister

No, I shall not be discussing that matter with the TUC. I think it is true that expectations were strong last summer and in the autumn that, if we had stuck to a 5 per cent. increase in pay, the increases in rates would have been much lower than they are. Unfortunately, we did not receive much assistance from the Leader of the Opposition on that matter. I notice that many Conservative councils are now increasing their rates.

Mrs. Thatcher

Is the Prime Minister aware that his reply just does not hold water? Is he aware that, for example, in inner London the rate increases m Tory councils average 2.6 per cent. and in Labour councils 26 per cent.?

Mr. Skinner

By putting up the rents.

The Prime Minister

Yes, as my hon. Friend says, one can always keep the rates down if one puts the rents up. That is exactly what has happened.