Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Remarks to Finchley Young Conservatives

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: Finchley
Source: Finchley Press, 12 September 1969
Editorial comments: Dudley Smith, Conservative MP for Warwick and Leamington, was the guest speaker. MT joined him in a question and answer session after his speech.
Importance ranking: Minor
Word count: 311
Themes: Monetary policy, Trade, European Union (general)

Election next October, warns Tory M.P.

A prediction that the General Election will take place on October 22nd next year was made by Mr. Dudley Smith, M.P. for Warwick and Leamington, speaking to the Finchley Young Conservatives last Wednesday.

He told the crowded meeting that the Tories needed only a four per cent. swing to win the election. Mrs. Margaret Thatcher, M.P., was on the platform with Mr. Smith at the meeting in the Conservative Hall, North Finchley.

Speaking about the aims of the Conservative Party and the changes and reforms that would have to be made if the Conservatives came into power, Mr. Smith mentioned the tax system.

Direct taxation would be reduced, and emphasis laid on indirect taxation to give people more of a choice, rather than the present system where tax is taken straight from the wage packet.

An Industrial Relations Bill will be worked out, and although it would not be an easy task, it was one of great importance and would eventually lead to a better understanding between unions and employers.

The welfare services would have to be overhauled and there was great criticism of the pension scheme introduced by Mr. Crossman, continued Mr. Smith.

He went on to say that entry into the Common Market would be sought quickly, and a new agricultural policy would have to be worked out with the Common Market and Britain.

With this entry food prices may rise, but only over a long period.

Mr. Smith went on to say that the housing policy would have to be reviewed. He wanted to “get further along the road of a property-owning democracy.”

Mrs. Margaret Thatcher said that at the moment we in England were getting the worst of both worlds. We have had large price rises in the past few years, but we have not had the rise in exports which would accompany any entry into the Common Market.