§ The Prime MinisterI refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave earlier today.
§ Mr. DubsHas the Prime Minister seen the reports in today's papers that a doctor at St. Thomas' hospital believes that up to 1,000 kidney patients are 639 dying every year for want of dialysis treatment? Will she say what action her Government propose to take to stop this appalling waste of life?
§ The Prime MinisterAs the hon. Gentleman knows, the Royal Commission on the Health Service indicated that it would be quite possible to spend almost the whole of the national income on the Health Service if one had to respond to every demand. It is not for us to determine the priorities. However, as far as I know, the priorities for kidney machines are different from one area health authority to another. Everyone would like very much to spend more. But to do that, we must first as a nation earn more. As the hon. Gentleman knows, our policies are directed to that end.
§ Mr. Robert AtkinsDoes my right hon. Friend recognise that many Government supporters welcome her contribution to increasing the number of reserve forces by encouraging employers to release more people for the Territorial Army and Volunteer Reserve? Will my right hon. Friend comment on a possible increase in bounties, which will go even further to encourage recruitment?
§ The Prime MinisterWe have increased the bounties and, because we think extremely highly of the Territorial Army and the services that it performs, we are doing everything possible to encourage employers to release people for service in the Territorial Army. I hope that the campaign will be successful.
§ Mr. FordWill the right hon. Lady take an opportunity today to peruse the memorandum sent her recently by the Confederation of British Wool Textiles? When she replies to it, will she ensure that she makes a positive reply concerning unfair trading practices, instead of adding to the endless succession of negative replies from departmental Ministers about the matter?
§ The Prime MinisterI have seen that document. Of course we wish to get rid of unfair trading practices. As the hon. Gentleman knows, where we find them and where we find dumping, we shall pursue with our partners in Europe the possibility of taking action.
§ Sir William ClarkWe must, of course, produce more before we can spend more on the social services, including the Health Service. Will not my right hon. Friend agree that the Health Service is suffering from over-administration? What can the Government do to cut down the huge bureaucracy in the Health Service, the size of which is to the detriment of various services to the public?
§ The Prime MinisterAs my hon. Friend knows, we are introducing legislation to reduce the administration by one layer, but I cannot reinforce too strongly what he says. It is necessary to reduce bloated bureaucracy wherever it occurs, whether in central Government, local government or public agencies. We must vigorously pursue that policy.
§ Mr. David SteelHave the Prime Minister and her colleagues given thought today to the figures announced yesterday for income increases during the year? Does the right hon. Lady agree that inflation is now at a runaway level? Will she consider the message from the people of Southend, where the swing against the Government was greater than that in the first year of any Government since the First World War?
§ The Prime MinisterThe figures announced yesterday were for increases in average earnings, which is different from the figures for settlements. As the right hon. Gentleman will be aware, the CBI published figures for settlements showing that 52 per cent. are at 15 per cent. or below, which gives a different picture from the 20 per cent. increase in average earnings.