Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

HC I [Rates (Opposition motion)]

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: House of Commons
Source: Hansard HC [875/1864-75]
Editorial comments: 2159-2228. MT intervened at c1875, raising a point of order after the division.
Importance ranking: Minor
Word count: 241
[column 1864]

Question put, That the amendment be made:— [column 1865]

The House divided: Ayes 289, Noes 298. [column 1873]

Question accordingly agreed to. Resolved.

That this House, in view of the massive increases in rates in many areas greatly in excess of the growth of incomes, stresses the need for [column 1874]a fundamental reform of the rating system; and urges Her Majesty's Government to introduce a measure of interim relief this year for the benefit of the worst affected and to provide that water and sewerage charges should rank for rate rebate.

[column 1875]

Mrs. Thatcher

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the decision of the House in favour of the motion, will Anthony Croslandthe Secretary of State undertake to make a statement on what he proposes to do about interim relief for the overburdened ratepayers during the next few days?

Mr. Crosland

I shall take the most careful note of all the points made in this [column 1876]bizarre debate, in which the Tory Opposition voted against all the policies of the Tory Government. I shall certainly consider the question that the right hon. Lady has raised, as a matter of courtesy to her and to the House, but the final verdict on all this will be given by the electorate, and they will well understand how much cant, humbug and hypocrisy has been spoken today.