Tories adoption meeting sparkles
Mrs. Margaret Thatcher, Conservative Member of Parliament for the Finchley constituency was enthusiastically re-adopted by Finchley and Friern Barnet Conservatives at Conservative Headquarters, Ballards Lane, on Thursday last week. The audience of over two hundred was completely united in support of a very popular and respected figure. The members had earlier participated in the annual general meeting of the Association.
In his address the chairman, Councillor V. Usher elaborated upon his written annual report, and referred inevitably to the election. He stressed that confidence expressed by Finchley and Friern Barnet Conservatives could be brought to bear with advantage in marginal areas in the region.
The treasurer J. Drinkwater then presented the accounts and the officers for 1966 were elected. At about 8.30 pm Mrs. Thatcher joined the meeting and gave her pre-adoption address.
Mrs. Thatcher welcomed the election and said that the Conservative Party entered upon the campaign with confidence and determination; confidence that the party had the right policies for the Britain of the future and determination to win a working Parliamentary majority.
She said that the Labour Party had inherited from the Conservatives a prosperous Britain in which greatly improved conditions were widely shared, production was at record levels, savings higher than ever before, prices had been steadier than in comparable countries in Europe and there was a very large portfolio of overseas investment earning money for this country.
Contrast the position now when production had stood still for a year and the very investment which had stood us in such stead had been curtailed by the Labour Government. This was what the Lord CromerGovernor of the Bank of England had referred to as a policy which “might provide jam today but would inevitably call in question the probability of bread tomorrow.”
The Future
Speaking of Conservative policies for the future, Mrs. Thatcher referred especially to industrial relations. She said that most people had been profoundly shocked that such a thing as the “noose trial” could have happened in Britain.
One of the main aims of the Industrial Relations Bill which the Tories would introduce on their return to power was to ensure proper protection and respect for individual rights within a modernised trade union structure. The other principal aim was to strengthen Britain's economy by reducing strikes and ending restrictive labour practices.
Mrs. Thatcher pointed out that legislation affecting the operation of companies was reviewed about every ten years but it was sixty years since there had been a major review of trade union law—we could delay no longer.
In reply to questions from the audience about the increasing crime wave, Mrs. Thatcher said that offenders should be made to pay restitution for the injuries and damage they have done. Questions were also asked about rates, transport and education.
Finally, said Mrs. Thatcher, the theme of the Conservative manifesto was action not words; this phrase could also be used to describe Edward Heath—a man of decision and used to command—a man who had a passion to get Britain right, a fitting leader for Britain now.
The chairman then announced the outline of the election programme; Councillor K. Klean then thanked the chairman and other officers for their service to the Conservative organisation.
[Photo Caption]Mrs. Margaret Thatcher (Conservative): “We are going to win.”