Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Remarks visiting Glasgow Garden Festival (Heath’s criticism of the community charge)

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: Glasgow
Source: Scottish TV Archive: OUP transcript
Editorial comments: Between 0930 and 1230. The material is in the form of rushes; it is impossible to say what was actually broadcast by Scottish TV. BBC indexes have her denying that she is worried about security. MT attended the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden Park that afternoon.
Importance ranking: Minor
Word count: 328
Themes: Conservative Party (history), Community charge (“poll tax”), Media

Reporter

Prime Minister, are you worried at all about the reception waiting for you at Hampden this afternoon?

Denis Thatcher

Oh come on, get the hell out of it.

MT

No. No. You never ask me about where I am. This is fantastic. It really is a wonderful … the whole concept is terrific. It is even better than the brochure. You know I read the brochure and thought it looked fantastic. Absolutely marvellous.

Unidentified

Thank you Prime Minister.

Reporter

It appears that you are going to be even more unpopular than the referee this afternoon.

MT

Not as unpopular as some of you people are. Film cuts. MT talking to a huddle of reporters:

Reporter

Mrs Thatcher, could you make a comment on the very remarkable speech made last night by Edward Heatha former Conservative Prime Minister …

MT

I couldn't. Haven't even read it.

Reporter

He predicted disaster if … well, he described the poll tax as un-Conservative.

MT

People have been predicting disaster for such a long time and they've not been right yet. Do you know what someone said to me this morning … [next few words inaudible] … jumping, yes. Active, dynamic enterprising successful.

Reporter

Mrs. Thatcher, … [inaudible]

MT

Never. I've been very … Rates are very un-Conservative. Mr. Heath was my Prime Minister when I did Shadow … not my Prime Minister, my leader of the party, I was doing Shadow Environment. And as I said in the House of Commons, he said to me: “Margaret, get rid of rates” .