Traders' plea to Prime Minister

There was a worldly plea to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher from deputy Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Don Goodman, at Finchley and Whetstone Chamber of Commerce dinner dance.

Mrs Thatcher, MP for Finchley and president of the Chamber, was guest speaker at the function held in the Crest Hotel, South Mimms, Hertfordshire.

“You are in your 26th year as president of this Chamber of Commerce—it has a slight edge on others in the locality—my advice is, ‘Don't change.’ You are doing what you like and long may it continue,” said Mr Goodman.

The Prime Minister replied: “How eloquent … to say to a woman, ‘Don't change.’ If only we can achieve it. We will try to obey.”

“I'm not used to being called president … it gives you delusions of grandeur! When I was in the United States I was asked if I would like to run in '88—I said ‘No.’ I'm happy in this country.”

Recalling her days behind the counter of her father's grocery shop in Grantham, the Prime Minister remarked: “I wish more people in politics knew how small businesses run. I learned how to get on and please the customer. You talked about local, national and international things. …

There was praise for small businesses. “Businesses are the wealth creators—governments are the wealth consumers. In this country one-fifth of the national income is from small businesses and one-quarter of jobs from small businesses.”

Mrs Thatcher said that inspite of the year-long coal strike, not one business lacked power and not one house was without light and heat. She was profoundly grateful to the broad mass of people and trade unionists.

“Not only did industries supply existing industries with power we increased industry to an all-time level, with record investments and standards of living. We have a strong economy. We can take confidence, courage and hope from it,” she said.

In his response, chairman Peter Lega said he was pleased the Chamber had been consulted by Barnet Council before rates were set.

He suggested professional advice should be sought by the Chamber in order to protect the interest of business ratepayers, and also called for a business vote.

Mr Lega thanked members for their support and help during his two years in office.

Dr Massimo D'Amico, director of the Italian Trade Centre, London, replied on behalf of guests.

A toast in Italian champagne was drunk and flowers were presented to women visitors to mark International Women's Day.

Among those present were Mary Goodman, deputy Mayoress of Barnet, and Sabatina Conti, mother of Mrs Maria Lega, the chairman's wife, who travelled 2,000 miles from Italy to attend the dinner.