Remarks visiting Newcastle (Rington Tea)

Document type:	Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue:	Algernon Road, Newcastle upon Tyne
Source:	Conservative Party Archive: BBC TV Campaign Report (2110-2140) 23 April 1979
Journalist:	Michael Cole, BBC, reporting
Editorial comments:	1350-1515. Other remarks (from Daily Telegraph, 23 April 1979): "Heavens, it [the tea] looks like beef consomme" and "I’m afraid I use tea bags myself. They are much more convenient". After swallowing a bitter mouthful (said to Denis): "Aren’t you going to be brave?" (Glasgow Herald, 4 April 1979).
Importance ranking:	Minor
Word count:	171

David Holmes

The Conservative Leader, Mrs Thatcher, has been looking at industry in the North East today. After her morning news conference at which she described Labour as a scared party running a scared campaign, Mrs Thatcher travelled to Newcastle. There she visited a tea factory, as Michael Cole reports.

Michael Cole

For Mrs Thatcher the question tasting tea—was whether to spit or not. She was visiting Newcastle where the Tories are hoping to hold a marginal seat.

Mrs Thatcher

I'm sorry, it won't make much difference, I trust, whether you're running the sound or not. It's nice—of course I'm not going to … [laughter].

Michael Cole

But the Tory leader soon found out why tea-tasters use a spitoon.

Mrs Thatcher

[Wincing at the bitterness of the tea] Mind you, they'll think I'm drinking … [laughter]