§ Q2. Mr. Parryasked the Prime Minister if she will pay an official visit to Liverpool, Scotland Exchange.
§ The Prime MinisterI have at present no plans to do so.
§ Mr. ParryThe right hon. Lady will be aware of the effect of the Government's policies on unemployment in Liverpool and the cuts in public expenditure which affect school children, the disabled, the sick and the aged. Will she be in a position to accept a petition signed by nearly 100,000 people protesting against the proposed closure of the Royal Liverpool children's hospital? I assure the Prime Minister that if she visits Liverpool she will receive a hot reception.
§ The Prime MinisterMany of us are aware that Liverpool has serious and grievous problems on a bigger scale than some of the other large cities. The hon Gentleman referred to particular public expenditure cuts. None of us wishes to make cuts in public expenditure, but we are up against the reality that no Government can urge a nation to live beyond its 1103 means and expect to command respect either at home or abroad.