Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Speech to Friern Barnet Young Conservatives

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: Finchley
Source: Finchley Press, 3 October 1969
Editorial comments: Exact time and place uncertain.
Importance ranking: Minor
Word count: 364
Themes: Public spending & borrowing, Taxation, Foreign policy (Asia), Foreign policy (Middle East), Leadership, Trade union law reform

I DON'T WANT TO BE P.M., SAYS MRS. THATCHER

Mrs. Margaret Thatcher, Finchley's popular M.P., who is celebrating her 10th year in Parliament was asked on Friday it she would wish to be Prime Minister if the opportunity arose. In reply, she stated quite adamantly that she would not wish to hold this post as she felt that, by its very nature, the job would consume such a phenomenal amount of time and would necessitate her being available almost 24 hours of each day!

Mrs. Thatcher was speaking at a meeting of Friern Barnet Young Conservatives. She spoke of her recent visit to Russia and went on to outline some aspects of Conservative policy. She stated that the Conservative Party would abolish the Land Commission and the Selective Employment Tax, but pointed out that the total abolition of S.E.T. would take about two years to achieve.

Mrs. Thatcher added that it was her party's intention to reduce the level of taxation and to reduce Government spending. On this latter topic, Mrs. Thatcher estimated that the present level of Government spending consumed approximately 50 per cent. of the Government's income from taxation and this figure was increasing. She expressed alarm at this state of affairs.

COMMON MARKET

Mrs. Thatcher went on to answer questions on numerous topics ranging from Britain's entry into the Common Market to the present Government's policy east of Suez, at which she expressed some amazement.

On the question of union reform, Mrs. Thatcher acknowledged that, while in power the Conservative Party should have introduced legislation to deal with this problem, and stated that the party will take the necessary action to curb the powers of the unions if they are returned at the next General Election.

At the close of the meeting. Mrs. Thatcher was thanked by Mr. Barry Naylor, the chairman. The evening's competition prize was won by Mrs. Thatcher.

Coffee and biscuits were supplied by Miss Pauline Foord, Miss Sylvia McCarthy, Miss Margaret Davies and Miss Susan Barnes.