HC Deb 22 May 1979 vol 967 cc871-2
Q4. Mr. Brotherton

asked the Prime Minister, if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 22 May.

The Prime Minister

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Hackney, Central (Mr. Davis).

Mr. Brotherton

Following my right hon. Friend's excellent start with the Price Commission, will she find some time today to consider abolishing the Equal Opportunities Commission? Is not my right hon. Friend's presence at the Dispatch Box living proof that the commission is unnecessary? While my right hon. Friend is about it, will she abolish many other commissions which do nothing but waste taxpayers' money?

The Prime Minister

Not today, Sir—although I agree with my hon. Friend that I did not exactly need the commission. However, I shall have a look at other commissions, too.

Mr. Snape

At the risk of being offered a job, may I congratulate the right hon. Lady on the surge in price increases since the Government took office?

Will she explain to the British people that there are still another 200 companies in the pipeline which have yet to receive their pay-off for their contributions to Tory Party funds?

The Prime Minister

I agree with the hon. Gentleman. It is remarkable how many price increases are held up just before a general election.

Mr. Adley

Reverting to the question about COHSE and NUPE, does my right hon. Friend agree that what those unions said in the past few days is deeply offensive, not only to the House but to millions of people, especially after a general election? Is it not appropriate that she should seek a meeting with Mr. Len Murray at an early date to raise the matter with him so that the question may be fully and openly discussed and so that she may let him know what many people feel about what COHSE and NUPE are up to?

Mrs. Thatcher

I believe that it is not only deeply offensive but also constitutionally wrong, and I believe that the leaders of the trade union movement would say the same thing. I shall convey my hon. Friend's message and the feelings of the House on this matter.

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