HC Deb 10 March 1980 vol 980 cc922-3
38. Mr. Robert Atkins

asked the Paymaster General if he is satisfied with the present co-ordination of Government publicity services.

The Paymaster General (Mr. Angus Maude)

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Atkins

Does my right hon. Friend agree that recent events, such as the ballot by the steel workers, indicate that the Government's policies are beginning to get through to the public? Does he agree that there is a new air of realism among the public as a whole?

Mr. Maude

I certainly agree that there is a new air of realism in the country. Events in recent weeks, including the decisions by the South Wales miners, the BL workers and the workers in the private steel industry, as well as yesterday's decision by those who voted in the British Steel Corporation ballot, are indications of greater realism on the shop floor.

Mr. Heller

Has the right hon. Gentleman read reports in the Financial Times of bleating about communications in Conservative Party committees? Is it not true that whenever Governments get into trouble—and all Governments seem to get into trouble at certain stages—all Back Benchers bleat that communications are not right?

Mr. Maude

Yes, Sir. Of course it is true that there are always people who think that it is within the power of those who deal with communications to make people like temporary sacrifices which are necessary but not likeable.

Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is necessary for the Prime Minister to be able to explain to the country the effects of her policies in non-partisan terms? What convention exists to allow a Prime Minister to have a fireside chat with the nation without inviting the right to reply from the Leader of the Opposition, who would simply use such an occasion to make party political points?

Mr. Maude

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has several opportunities, of which she will no doubt take advantage, to speak to the people. A leader of a party always has the vehicle of a party political broadcast.

Mr. James Lamond

Since the Paymaster General is so satisfied with his work of publicising the Tory Party's policy can he tell us that he is eagerly looking forward to an increase in the Tory majority at Southend on Thursday?

Mr. Maude

My experience is that it is always unwise to forecast by-election results. In particular, it is unwise to forecast that Government majorities will fall as much as Opposition Members like to believe.