Thatcher meets party faithful

A buoyant Prime Minister was not revealing the date of the next General Election yesterday, but she told Suffolk Conservatives, “I believe we are going to be in number ten for quite a time.”

And more than 200 party workers gave Mrs. Thatcher prolonged applause when she added, “I like being there.”

Mrs. Thatcher told party workers from all over the country that she could not give them a date for an election but pointed out that the Conservatives had only been in office for four years.

Mrs. Thatcher, who appeared in a buoyant and relaxed mood after arriving at Haughley Park, near Stowmarket, from Felixstowe, said she felt the party had a very good chance of winning the next General Election.

But she warned against complacency of any kind.

During her short speech before mingling with party workers she said she thought the world was on the verge of economic recovery.

“We go into that well-equipped and well-fitted to take advantage of it,” Mrs. Thatcher said.

The Prime Minister was late at Haughley Park, but spent about an hour meeting and talking with party workers.

Conservative party agent for the Central Suffolk constituency, Mr. Nigel Hawks said afterwards that the Prime Minister was delighted and overwhelmed with the reception she had received.

“The visit has put every-one in very good heart and people will go back to their constituencies prepared for the coming fight,” Mr. Hawks said.

Mrs. Thatcher met party workers in a 17th Century barn at Haughley Park which was restored a few years ago. As she arrived she was presented with a basket of spring flowers by Mr. Hawks ' secretary, Miss Ann Overton.

One man missing was MP for Eye and Prospective Parliamentary candidate for the new Suffolk Coastal seat, Mr. John Gummer.

He was taking part in a debate in the House of Commons on health and safety.