HC Deb 10 July 1980 vol 988 cc754-5
Q3. Mr. Blackburn

asked the Prime Minister if she has any plans to visit the metropolitan borough of Dudley.

The Prime Minister

I have at present no plans to do so.

Mr. Blackburn

If my right hon. Friend were to visit the fine industrial town of Dudley she would find a Conservative-controlled local authority working within the guidelines of central Government and producing the lowest rate in the West Midlands. Is she aware of the excellent co-operation between unions, management and the local authority which is planning the future economy of the town? Is not this an example to the country?

The Prime Minister

My hon. Friend appears to represent an admirable constituency, with excellent industrial relations, which I know has in it a wonderful private steelworks which accounts for about a quarter of our steel exports. He represents a marvellous local authority, and I congratulate it on having the lowest rates in the West Midlands.