Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Message to the electors of South West Hertfordshire (by-election)

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Source: Thatcher Archive: CCOPR 1215/79
Editorial comments: Listed by date of release.
Importance ranking: Minor
Word count: 266
Themes: Conservatism, By-elections

It is a matter of great regret to me that ill health compelled Geoffrey Dodsworth to retire as your Member of Parliament. He served the Constituency with distinction.

The Conservative Government has set Britain on a new course.

We promised cuts in income tax. Our first Budget made the largest ever income tax cuts at all levels.

We promised to reform trade union law. Our measures to ban secondary picketing, encourage secret ballots and remove the worst abuses of the closed shop were presented to Parliament last week.

We promised to give to every Council tenant the right to buy his or her own house or flat. Our Bill to implement these proposals will be presented to Parliament next week.

We promised to strengthen the Police and the Armed Forces. One of the first actions of this Government was to bring their pay to levels which would improve recruitment.

We promised to curb public spending. We have done this and we have shown that we understand that the Government has no money of its own, but only what it raises in rates and taxes. There is nothing moral or prudent in a policy which involves the Government spending money which it has not got.

On Thursday, the electors of South West Hertfordshire will have the chance to return to Westminster a candidate who will support lower tax on earnings, realistic levels of public spending, important reforms of trade union law and policies which will lead to a massive extension of home ownership.

Richard Page is a tried and tested Member of Parliament. He will make a first class Member for South West Hertfordshire.