HC Deb 12 June 1980 vol 986 cc791-2
Ql. Mr. Bob Dunn

asked the Prime Minister if she has any plans to visit Betsham.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. William Whitelaw)

I have been asked to reply.

My right hon. Friend has at present no plans to do so.

Mr. Dunn

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the people of Betsham reject completely the policy announced by the Labour Party to the effect that a future Labour Government will force students in the independent sector to pay the full cost of university fees? Does not my right hon. Friend regard that policy as malicious and unfair?

Mr. Whitelaw

I understand that the hon. Member for Bedwellty (Mr. Kinnock) had a confrontation—if that is the right word—with my right hon and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science. My right hon. and learned Friend, normally a mild-mannered man, used some phrases which I could not better. He said : I should have thought that that proposition is so vindictive, vicious and literally stupid as to be beyond the belief, even of the hon. Gentleman."—[Official Report, 10 June 1980 ; Vol. 986, c. 289.] I could not better that myself.