HC Deb 11 February 1991 vol 185 cc608-9
33. Mr. Burns

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many official visits he has made as Chancellor of the Duchy.

Mr. Chris Patten

Four, Sir.

Mr. Burns

Does my right hon. Friend agree that, notwithstanding the official visits that he has already made to the duchy, in the coming weeks he will visit that part of the duchy in the Ribble Valley? When he visits Ribble Valley, will he explain fairly and squarely to the tenants whom he meets the cost of a future Labour Government and the fact that no one in this country could ever afford that cost?

Mr. Patten

I shall certainly attempt to discharge that undertaking if I am able to visit Ribble Valley in the next few weeks—it may be possible. I am sure that all hon. Members, including Labour Front-Bench Members, will want to try to explain to the electorate in the next few months and years precisely how the promises that were made by the shadow Chancellor—for example, that the Labour party will not increase spending or taxes—equate with everything that is said by every other shadow spokesman.