§ Q2. Mr. Norman Atkinsonasked the Prime Minister when last she met the Confederation of British Industry.
§ Mr. WhitelawI have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend last met the Confederation of British Industry at NEDC on 4 February.
§ Mr. AtkinsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that at that meeting the CBI called upon the Government to carry out mass sackings in local authorities? Is the right hon. Gentleman further aware that as a result of Government cuts Labour-controlled councils in London and the Midlands have been told to sack 110,000 workers or to impose rate increases which people cannot afford to pay? What does the right hon. Gentleman propose? Does he think it right that local authorities should sack 110,000 workers, or impose rate increases which will result in a reduction in ratepayers' standards of living?
§ Mr. WhitelawSurely the CBI is saying—and it is a fair point—that industries in various parts of the country are having high rate increases inflicted upon them through the extravagance of many Labour-controlled authorities and that that inevitably leads to difficulties and a loss of jobs.
§ Mr. FarrWhen the Prime Minister meets the American President, will she raise the question of the unfair level of imports of American knitted goods and texiles occasioned by cheap energy policies in the United States?
§ Mr. WhitelawMy right hon. Friend is aware of those points. She is now at the White House and will shortly be having discussions with the President. It would be wrong for me to comment. My right hon. Friend will report to the House on her return.