HC Deb 28 February 1984 vol 55 c134
Q1. Mr. Peter Bruinvels

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 28 February.

The Prime Minister (Mrs. Margaret Thatcher)

This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others, including one with the Premier of Bermuda. In addition to my duties in the House I shall be having further meetings later today, including one with Chancellor Kohl. This evening I hope to have an audience of Her Majesty the Queen.

Mr. Bruinvels

Will my right hon. Friend find time today to comment on the secondary action being taken by trade union members all over the country—action that is illegal and totally irresponsible? Is it not true that from 1979 to 1981 there was disruption at Cheltenham, with national union leaders interfering with the workers there because of disputes elsewhere?

The Prime Minister

Yes. The action that has been taken by the trade unions today to encourage breaches of contract is further justification for the action that the Government took to protect national security at GCHQ.

Mr. Steel

As the Leader of the Opposition has taken action against two members of his party for voting against the Government last night, what action does the right hon. Lady propose to take against members of her party who refused to support her? Does she accept that yesterday's debate revealed widespread unease in all parts of the House about her continued intransigence on the issue of GCHQ, and has she anything fresh to say to the House?

The Prime Minister

No. A majority of 176 is good enough for me, and I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for providing the opportunity.

Mr. John Page

Is my right hon. Friend aware, as a north London Member, of the gross inconvenience that has already been caused to her constituents, mine and others by the bus and underground strike? Will she take every opportunity to point out the uselessness and selfishness of that action?

The Prime Minister

Yes. Action of this kind hits ordinary people and is greatly to be deplored and condemned.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Does the Prime Minister care very much whether or not the TUC co-operates with her Government?

The Prime Minister

Yes, and an example of that cooperation is the voluntary agreement reached recently over the political levy.