§ Q2. Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Prime Minister if she will pay an official visit to Southend on Sea.
§ The Prime MinisterI have at present no plans to do SO.
§ Mr. TaylorWill my right hon. Friend take it from me that this splendid borough, which has actually cut its domestic rate over the past three years and co-operated with the Government in every possible way, needs her help in resolving an appalling injustice, whereby it receives an allocation from the North Thames region of £7 million less per year than is set out in the Government's guidelines? Southend has tried in every possible way to resolve this problem. We now seek my right hon. Friend's help in getting a fairer deal for the borough.
§ The Prime MinisterI know full well that Southend's record in reducing rates is excellent, and I congratulate the authority on its excellent performance. If my hon. Friend has a particular matter in mind, I suggest that he should take it up with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Social Services. If my hon. Friend wishes to see me about it, I shall, of course, see him.