HL Deb 16 November 1998 vol 594 cc127-8WA
Lord Jenkins of Putney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

To what extent their policies are influenced by the Labour Party annual Conference. [HL3636]

Baroness Jay of Paddington

The Government were elected on a manifesto which was based in part on decisions taken at the Labour Party Conference and supported by the overwhelming majority of the membership of the Labour Party. The manifesto set out a clear, radical programme of reform designed to modernise our country and build a more decent society; a programme to unite the nation in facing the tough challenges of the future and the changing society. The manifesto contained specific pledges and commitments which address the real concerns of the people of Britain. Underpinned by the clear mandate given to it by the people, the Government are delivering on these commitments through extra investment on priority areas, particularly health and education—investment tied to modernisation—and will continue to do so.