The Prime Minister
Ladies and Gentlemen, as you can see we have virtually the same team as that with which we launched the manifesto in this room, three weeks ago. Since then we have concentrated on discussing the positive policies and issues upon which the voters will make a decision tomorrow. Those issues have been defence, jobs, social services, home ownership, and the rule of law. As you know, we have not entered into an auction with promises in any way, we have a measured and costed manifesto, and we have stuck to that manifesto and should we be elected, which we obviously hope we will be, that manifesto is the one which will be carried out. There has during the campaign, developed a debate between the other two parties as to which will lead the other. My concern is with securing from the British people a mandate and a decisive mandate for a second term of Conservative Government. The poll is one of 42 million voters, a record number of voters and of course there's no room for any margin of error in that poll. We ask all of those who want a Conservative Government, to make sure that they go to the polls and vote, the debate is nearly over, there is only one more day on the hustings, and we shall all be using it vigorously, for the future is in the ballot box, which is the only strength and source of authority for the next British Government. Now, I'm going to ask each of the Ministers here, to give any views they would wish to give from the campaign and then we'll go to open questions. The William WhitelawHome Secretary.
The Rt Hon William Whitelaw CH—Home Secretary
Prime Minister, two points, first one on my particular responsibilities as Home Secretary, secondly a more general point on my experience in the campaign. As the Home Secretary's point, our proposals and our massive response to the problems of crime in a free society, have simply not been challenged in this election by any other Party. I find that extremely important. On the election itself, I've spent apart from some speeches in London, most of my time, in many constituencies over the North of England, the North West, the North East, the Newcastle [word missing] and over Southern Scotland. And my impression, which after all are perhaps over experience [sic] is now the eleventh General Election I've fought in my life, does give me some feeling as to what happens at elections, and I have found one fundamental, overriding issue above everything else, and that is the question, that so many people increasingly realise, that we need in this country strong, firm, united leadership. And they know that they cannot get it, for obvious reasons, which have become all the most obvious during the campaign in the Labour Party. They of course can't get it from the Alliance Party, who are divided first on policies, and of course crucially divided about their own leadership. Therefore, it is only the Conservative Party and a Conservative Government, which can give that strong, united and firm leadership. I found the response to that argument, right wherever I've been, as absolutely overwhelming.
The Prime Minister
Geoffrey HoweChancellor.
The Rt Hon Sir Geoffrey Howe QC—Chancellor of the Exchequer
I'd like to make three points. The first is the extent to which people in this election, have realised the importance of our success in reducing the rate of inflation, as far and as dramatically as we have done. The extent to which they recognise that that success is due to the policies we've been following, and they recognise also that success would immediately be blown to the wind by the election of either of our opponents. The second, [end p1] I think follows from that. The extent to which the electors have recognised that the best long-term policies for the conquest of unemployment are those which we've been putting forward throughout this campaign and the third and last point is the extent to which people have been criticising us if anything for refusing to make pledges beyond those which we believe we can and will deliver, whereas our opponents have been making a whole series of pledges and promises, in which neither they nor the electorate can have any confidence whatsoever.
The Prime Minister
Francis PymForeign Secretary.
The Rt Hon Francis Pym—Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
My general impression of the campaign is clearly the strength of the support for the Conservative Government and the Conservative Party, as contrasted with the sense of let down experienced by so many Labour voters. On the crucial international issues, we were all of us clear that we were going to win the argument on defence, and I think that what has happened in this election, is that we have won it absolutely, decisively, and there is virtually no support for the proposals by the Labour Party. And on the Community, which has not been an issue, it's not been raised by the Labour Party, who want to take us out of the Community, I think this is because they realise it is a very unpopular line, but also I think because the British people, in their good sense, realise that it is very, very much in our interest, politically and economically, to remain in the Community, and for that reason it has not really been an issue. So on the two major international questions, there is no doubt that we have won the argument decisively.
The Prime Minister
Thank you. Michael HeseltineMichael.
The Rt Hon Michael Heseltine—Secretary of State for Defence
Well, Prime Minister, defence has obviously been a major discussion issue in this election campaign, and I think the most important thing is that the Conservative Party is the only Party whose policies have remained consistent throughout the election campaign. We're the only Party saying the same thing at the end of the campaign as we were saying at the beginning. The Labour Party is obviously deeply divided over the issue of defence, as Mr Callaghan 's intervention showed and Michael Foot himself is now trying to indicate that Labour's policy might be to increase certain conventional expenditure when of course the Labour manifesto makes it absolutely clear that reductions, even in conventional expenditure of perhaps £3½ thousand million a year would be committed under a Labour Government. I think the latest rows breaking out in the SDP/Liberal Alliance indicate that they too are unable to put a coherent defence policy to this nation. Indeed, they were absolutely clear at the beginning of the campaign that Britain was to have no permanent independent last resort deterrent. Now I see they're trying to hedge their bets. And the real explanation for all of this is that out in the constituencies the British people have shown absolutely clearly that they want to see a strong defence policy, support for NATO, NATO having nuclear capability, and an independent British nuclear deterrent. Those are the firm policies of this Government, and all Parties who try to prevaracate on this issue have found that the public are rejecting their uncertainties and turn increasingly to us.
The Prime Minister
Thank you. Norman TebbitNorman.
The Rt Hon Norman Tebbit—Secretary of State for Employment
[end p2]First of all I'd like to say how much personally I've enjoyed this campaign and I hope I'm still saying that on Friday morning. The enjoyment has been added to, I might say, by the press corps that have followed me around. I'm sorry occasionally I've had to take to the air and leave them somewhat behind. But they've always caught up. It's been an interesting campaign, I think perhaps, most interesting because of the reluctance of very many of the Trades Union leaders to participate in the campaign. Perhaps they're keeping their power dry for the campaign which will follow over the next week or two inside the Labour Party. And it's no wonder, because those who have taken part have been rather confused, some of the leading members of the Trades Union Committee for Europe, dedicated to keep Britain in the Community, have been working for Trades Unions for Labour Victory, dedicated to take Britain out of the Community. Personally I've found it enormously encouraging that very, very many people indeed, speaking to me, and I've had very many reports of similar conversations amongst, of our people talking to Trades Unionists, where those Trades Unionists say that one of the prime reasons for voting Conservative is they support the Trades Union reforms that we've carried out, and they want us to go on with the next steps outlined in the manifesto. I think it's also very encouraging indeed that our realistic policies on employment are believed and are supported by far more people than can either believe in or support the totally unrealistic policies advocated by the Opposition Parties.
The Prime Minister
Thank you. Cecil ParkinsonChairman.
The Rt Hon Cecil Parkinson—Party Chairman
Perhaps, Prime Minister, the most interesting feature of the campaign for me has been the way in which the scares which our opponents have tried to run about our plans, for instance, for the Health Service, have back-fired on them. What they've enabled us to do is focus attention on our record in the Health Service and on our commitment to it, and it might interest you to know that the approval for the Government's policies on such issues as the Health Service has grown steadily in the campaign, the more our opponents make wild allegations, because we've been able to refute them, put the arguments forward, put the facts forward. And the only other point that I would make is that I've read and heard talk about complacency in the Party, and this is a danger. I can assure you that there is no complacency in the Conservative Party. Throughout the constituencies, and I've visited quite a lot of them, there is an absolute determination to get the maximum vote out. Our people really feel they can win seats which we haven't won for a long time. And they feel incidentally, in doing so, we can do the job that the Alliance set itself up to do, but is obviously not capable of doing, that is serving the notice, serving notice on the extreme Left, that this country doesn't want any truck with them or the Socialist State they plan for us.
The Prime Minister
Thank you. Now, questions.
Question
Mrs Thatcher. I am from Columbia. What … policies for Latin America?
The Prime Minister
We've not had that question before. Francis PymForeign Secretary. [end p3]
The Rt Hon Francis Pym—Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
Well, I'm glad to say that our relations will all countries in Latin America, are extremely good, and of course we will set, with one exception. We will set about improving those relations, which not only we want, but all the countries of Latin America want. And I hope that will lead, I'm sure it will lead to increased trade and other benefits.
Question
I'm a journalist from Mexico (more laughter!)
The Prime Minister
Shall we do Latin America? And Central America first? Yes.
Question
I wonder Prime Minister … any of the neighbouring countries and the members of the Latin American Organisation, play any role in the policies.
The Rt Hon Francis Pym—Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
I think, actually that our relationship with the Latin American countries stands by themselves; we don't have a formal relationship with the Organisation of American States. We have ordinary diplomatic relations with them but essentially it is on a bilateral basis with each country.
Question
Prime Minister, this question is caused by the fact that I attended every one of the Falkland debates in the Commons, and every Labour Party conference in the last few years. Do you, (PM: And every conference here as we know very well, Mr. Roth). Prime Minister, what do you consider was more significant in this campaign, the image you built up by your leadership in the Falklands campaign or the absolutely incredible unique political suicide committed by the Labour Party? What helps you more?
The Prime Minister
We have steadily pursued certain policies for four years, that those policies have been the right ones, and people appreciate both the policies and the perseverance with which we've followed them.
Question
You don't think the suicide of the Labour Party has anything to do with it?
The Prime Minister
I think that our positive policies have been the dominant factor, I think that the very extremist policies of the Labour Party have highlighted the fundamental differences between the two parties. Yes, at the back.
Question
What does the Government plan to do, if re-elected … (inaudible).
The Prime Minister
Geoffrey HoweChancellor.
The Rt Hon Sir Geoffrey Howe QC—Chancellor of the Exchequer
As is well known, the exchange rate of Sterling is one of the factors we take account of in determining our monetary policy we shall continue to do just that. As is also well known, our opponents actually planned to promote a fall in the value of Sterling, that would be profoundly unhelpful to economic policy in this country, in every respect.
The Prime Minister
Next question. Yes. [end p4]
Question
Prime Minister, lots of people may have been rather puzzled by your current preference for the Labour Party over the Alliance. Wouldn't you rather have a moderate Opposition rather than an extreme one?
The Prime Minister
I have not ventured a view as to what kind of Opposition I would wish to have, except that I hope it's in accordance with our democratic traditions. Who people choose to elect is a matter for them, rather than for me. I am as you know very persistently against extremes. I do in fact believe that the Labour Party programme is the most extreme ever put before this country. I think you're referring to something which I said when I was asked or ventured a view as to whether the Labour Party vote would hold. I believe it will hold in Labour strongholds And I shall be very surprised if it doesn't. Tomorrow will prove me right or wrong. Yes.
Question
Mrs Thatcher, with regard to your feeling of sense of unity … (inaudible).
The Prime Minister
It is not the fault of anyone. It is what they are able to do under a democratic system. And that after all is the essence of the system. The greater the support for the next Government, as demonstrated in the ballot box, I believe, the greater the unity of the country and the greater the authority of those policies, both at home and abroad. Obviously every Government likes to think that it has as much support for it on as wide a basis as possible, and you have to look not only at who wins the seats, but at the distribution and of the whole vote, every Government wants as much as possible, and as widely distributed as possible and as big a total vote as possible, as well as a majority of the seats. Yes.
Question
Prime Minister, I'd like to come back on a question you answered the other day about unemployment benefit.
(PM: About unemployment benefit?)
Do you believe that the present level of unemployment benefit … (inaudible).
The Prime Minister
We have not given any undertaking to price protect unemployment benefit as such. As you know we had this the other day. The pledge to price protect goes to pensions and related long-term benefits. We're not pledged on unemployment benefit, as you know, in November, the 5 per cent reduction is restored and because the, they have the increases from last time, which where over and above what was expected for inflation, they're not actually five per cent behind at the moment. But nothing's been clawed back from anything. They get increases in November and what was the amount less that they got compared with others, is restored next November. That's already been passed in legislation, through the House.
Question
But don't you think the fact that … promised to increase them in line with inflation will make a lot of unemployed people think that the Government was in fact reducing the real value …
The Prime Minister
No, we're very careful what pledges we make, we're very much aware that every single penny that has to go out of the National Insurance Fund in benefits, has to come in either in contributions or a small proportion in through [end p5] the taxpayer. And as well as spending out, we also have to consider what comes in. And we do have to consider the relationship between unemployment benefit and those who are on the lower wage scale although they do get a family income supplement and this Government has in fact increased the family income supplement, way above the increase in prices during our time in Government.
Question
Prime Minister, you've said several times during the campaign that you regard … . (inaudible).
The Prime Minister
I don't think the enemy is my phrase.
Question
… who the enemy was … (inaudible).
The Prime Minister
I don't think the enemy is my phrase. I said I'm concerned to get as many people voting Conservative as possible, and I'm still concerned to do that, for very, very obvious reasons, that I stick by absolutely. I want as big a vote as possible. All Conservative supporters. I believe it will be best for the next Government, I believe that it will best for the future of the country. Yes.
Question
Prime Minister, last night's … (inaudible).
The Prime Minister
I could not conceive that any administration which I lead would be extreme. It has not been extreme in the last four years, the manifesto is not extreme, our philosophies are not extreme in any way. I could not think of an extreme Conservative administration because it is absolutely one founded on freedom and justice. You can't have the one without the other. So it will not come about, an extreme Conservative administration, nor do I see how there could be such an administration by definition. Yes, Mr. Cockerell.
Question
… because of the collapse of the Labour Party, there is now no longer any fear of an Orwellian 1984 … so the fear of big brother has receeded … big sister … (inaudible).
The Prime Minister
Frankly, no. Nor should I worry about that clever in inverted commas remark, in any way, and I think it's much too soon and very unwise for anyone to talk about the collapse of a Party which has been a major Party in British politics for a very long time. I think it very unwise to do so indeed. Now. Sir Robin DaySir Robin have you a question to ask? I'm so anxious to make up for——
Question
A constitutional point, Prime Minister. If you get a majority and are Prime Minister again, does your Government automatically resign and then you refill the post, or does say the Chancellor continue as Chancellor unless you get rid of him, and if you want to get rid of a Minister, has he already gone … . what is the constitutional …
The Prime Minister
I believe the constitutional position is that the Government does not resign, therefore, I think if you look in the past, when the sitting Government has been re-elected that the Government does not resign. Therefore, the position is as it would be between, between …
Question
But they ought to … office unless you get rid of them? [end p6]
The Prime Minister
That is correct. That is how I understand it.
Question
The other question, since you were kind enough to invite me …
The Prime Minister
For one question, but I'm happy to let you have a supplementary. You let me have a supplementary yesterday rather a lot.
Question
… looking rather unhappier, earlier. How do you view the prospect of a landslide?
The Rt Hon Francis Pym—Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
It's up to the British people tomorrow and we will settle for whatever in their wisdom they give us.
The Prime Minister
Now. Yes, Derek Hill.
Question
Mrs Thatcher, I don't know whether you and the Chancellor have noticed that the money supply figures seem to have surged two months in a row. What are the implications for inflation …
The Prime Minister
Geoffrey HoweChancellor.
The Rt Hon Sir Geoffrey Howe QC—Chancellor of the Exchequer
You'll find that in fact that the rate of growth has been declining again in the most recent figures and that our plans for public expenditure are designed to secure continued control of the money supply, which of course is important, we shall be taking account of that and of the level of the Exchange Rate. One thing's for sure, that if one was to elect any of our opponents, the money supply, public spending, inflation and interest rates would rapidly move out of control and the important issue at this election is to continue with the responsible policies to which we've committed for the last four years and which we have been following.
The Prime Minister
Yes, at the back, two at the back, shall we have them, the last questions, one moment … and then Mr. Roth.
Question
(inaudible).
The Prime Minister
The mechanism is a combination of what Governments can do, which we've persistently put before the electorate, getting down inflation, cutting, helping to cut costs by National Insurance Surcharge and the, you've got the cutting costs, the incentives to new business and new products and the personal incentives on income tax, so it's always a combination of what Government can do to help keep down inflation and cutting costs and cutting taxation and the incentives to the enterprising, the inventive and the help to those who are enterprising and inventive and start up new business. It's a combination of an economic and an enterprise policy. So you will never say that it was wholly economic. Because it is starting to work, if you look at the numbers of new companies that are starting, you'll find they exceed those who are going out of business. You'll find a large number of companies in the new technologies and in the new electronics and that is often where the new jobs are going to come from. You'll also find that many of the older industries have become more efficient and redesigned their products. [end p7] So the policy of getting new business to start and new products is already beginning to work.
The Rt Hon Norman Tebbit—Secretary of State for Employment
Might I add there that I'm surprised that our questioner doesn't know that very often, when a major company looses a contract, because its prices were going up faster than those abroad, or because its product was delayed by strikes, and demarkation disputes, for example, that the contract is often lost for a long time and it is not rational to expect people who have changed from say, BL cars to a foreign manufacturer, to suddenly change back again. They are changing back and therefore the jobs are returning. But there is no such thing as instant change of that sort. British Steel lost customers through a foolish and unnecessary strike, the customers don't come straight back again, as soon as the strike is over.
The Prime Minister
Andrew Roth.
Question
If there is a Tory landslide tomorrow … there will be twice or three times as many Chartered Accounts in the House, do you regard this as a … (inaudible).
The Prime Minister
Would you like to do that one?
The Rt Hon Cecil Parkinson—Party Chairman
As a member of one of those secondary professions, as Michael Foot described them, which is taking over the Conservative Party, could I just point out that at the last count, in the whole House of Commons, there were seven Chartered Accounts. I think there were about 150 Lawyers and about 250 lecturers and journalists. So I think the threat isn't coming from the Chartered Accounts, you make up your mind where you think it's coming from.
The Prime Minister
Now, any more questions? One moment, you've had one. Can I just see if there are any more? Back to Latin America. I'm so sorry … Ian Aitken.
Question
Mr. Foot just over the road, has just issued a very … denunciation of proportional representation … I wonder if you'd like to just add your views …
The Prime Minister
I think that is one aspect on which we can agree and of course many people in the Alliance Party agreed when they were in the Labour Party. You know they were sort of in the jobs of Home Secretary and such like. I am sorry, did I miss someone, yes, yes you're normally up front aren't you?
Question
Prime Minister, how do you feel when some Indians … (inaudible).
The Prime Minister
Did you hear the whole of that?
The Rt Hon Cecil Parkinson—Party Chairman
Yes I did, yes.
The Prime Minister
I didn't hear the whole of that, but the Cecil ParkinsonChairman did, or the William WhitelawHome Secretary did …
The Rt Hon William Whitelaw CH—Home Secretary
I didn't, he didn't, no, I … didn't hear. [end p8]
The Prime Minister
The Cecil ParkinsonChairman heard it. I'll get him to answer it.
The Rt Hon Cecil Parkinson—Party Chairman
I believe that a group of Sikhs has come hear and joined up with leaders of the British Sikh community, and have been travelling about advising members of the Sikh community to vote Conservative. But we didn't know they were coming, we didn't invite them, there are no sort of arrangements or agreements of any kind with them, it is purely a personal initiative, which they've taken themselves.
The Prime Minister
I am hoping to receive some later this morning. Perhaps these are the self-same people? But they're very welcome.
Question
(inaudible).
The Prime Minister
We never promise things just before an election, and it would be totally wrong to do so. Votes are cast on the basis of the manifestos and we never, never, never enter into promises in return for votes, to particular sections. Now, have I got the whole lot of people, who has not had a … someone at the back? Yes please.
Question
Prime Minister, you said that after the election that you were going to give the British people a chance to eliminate Marxist …
The Prime Minister
They can do that by voting for us.
Question
Do you think that will eliminate Marxist … can't hear.
The Prime Minister
Well, I think it will certainly for five years, but I think also if there is, if there is a very, very decisive vote this election, then I think it would lead, I believe it would lead to a change in the Labour Party, from within. I believe that Gaitskell was trying to bring about such a change, but you know, frequently you have to have more than one go at the same thing, in effect to bring it about and therefore the result of this election could do both things, both not have it for the next five years and could make certain of a fundamental change in the nature of the Labour Party which some people have been trying to bring about for quite a long time. And so I think it would be a double benefit to have a very, very good Conservative majority at this election. Now, very well, just the very last question back to Latin America and then I think some of us have interviews at ten.
Question
Thank you. Prime Minister do you believe that Latin America and the UK and perhaps in the rest of the world, … (inaudible).
The Prime Minister
I have no idea, as so many ladies change the colour of their hair. I hope gentlemen don't attach their affection to one particular hair colour. Can I thank you all very much for coming continually to these press conferences which we have enjoyed? And we think we might have reason to see some of you again, before the whole election is over. Thank you.