Shrewsbury (Hansard, 12 December 1989)

§ Q1. Mr. Conway
To ask the Prime Minister if she will make an official visit to Shrewsbury.

§ The Prime Minister (Mrs. Margaret Thatcher)
At present, I have no plans to do so.

§ Mr. Conway
Although I am disappointed that my right hon. Friend cannot visit Shrewsbury, is she aware of the long connection between that town and the armed forces, particularly the light infantry depot that is based there and the military headquarters of the west midlands? Is she aware that the personal determination and compassion that she had to demonstrate in order that a statement on the uprating of war widows' pensions could be made was warmly welcomed in Shrewsbury? She is to be congratulated on that move in policy.

§ The Prime Minister
I am grateful to my hon. Friend. Hon. Members recognise the very special debt that we owe war widows. Their case is unique and distinctive, and I am glad that we have been able to offer them extra help, which hon. Members learned of yesterday.

§ Mr. Grocott
Will the Prime Minister think again about visiting Shrewsbury when she has had the opportunity of going to shire hall and hearing from county councillors across the political spectrum—from Church leaders, teachers, pupils and parents—about the overwhelming opposition to the establishment of a city technology college? If £8 million of public money is available for education, will she spend it not on the few but ensure that it is spent on buildings, equipment and books for the benefit of all the children in the town?

§ The Prime Minister
City technology colleges are a great new opportunity for young people from all backgrounds and ethnic groupings. Whenever they are opened, they prove very popular with teachers, pupils and parents alike.

§ Mr. Adley
Has my right hon. Friend visited the signal box outside Shrewsbury station? Is she aware that it is one of an enormous number of listed buildings that British Rail is expected to maintain as part of its normal operations? Does she agree that looking after listed buildings and running its own police force imposes an unfair burden on an industry that must compete on unfair terms with the road transport industry?

§ The Prime Minister
I confess that a visit to the signal box at Shrewsbury has not been at the top of the list of my heritage visits, but I look forward to that experience.