Q1
What does the Prime Minister think are the reasons for her outstanding electoral success?
A1
We won because we convinced the people that we had the best policies and they knew from our record that we could be relied upon to implement them. They also knew that we offered strong leadership and a strong defence policy including maintenance of our independent nuclear deterrent, which will enable Britain to continue to play its leading role in the defence of the West. Quite simply, people feel better off, more confident and more optimistic about our country and its prospects. One of the most satisfying aspects of the election was the increasing number of younger people who voted for the Conservatives. They clearly see us as the party of the future.
Q2
What will be the difference between Margaret III compared with Margaret I and Margaret II?
A2
I wasn't elected to be different. I still feel as passionate as ever about giving people the freedom to better themselves by their own efforts, about giving power back to the people and about establishing a property-owning democracy. Margaret III will follow the path blazed by Margarets I and II, enormously encouraged by the electors' verdict that they like it that way.
Q3
What are the priorities for the new Government?
A3
Our priorities within the general approach which I have described above, will be to see prosperity spread throughout the country; and to tackle the political, social and economic problems of our inner cities. We aim to increase freedom of choice in housing and education, improve the National Health Service's handling and treatment of patients and to fight crime [end p1] more effectively. In foreign affairs we shall work for arms control agreements which reduce the numbers of nuclear weapons while preserving NATO's security; and to restore solvency to the European Community by proper financial discipline and reform of the CAP.
Q4
Did the Prime Minister enjoy Venice?
A4
Because we were in the final stages of our election campaign, I was able to attend only a part of the Venice Summit. That left little time to enjoy Venice despite the splendid programme laid on by Signora Fanfani. But even a fleeting glimpse of Venice is a pleasure. Incidentally I am grateful to the Venetians for putting up with the massive disruption of their daily lives which the Summit caused.
Q5
How much importance did the Prime Minister give to the Summit and her relationship with the Italian Prime Minister?
A5
The Venice Summit was exceptionally well managed by Signor Fanfani, who was an outstanding Chairman. We got through a lot of useful work rapidly and efficiently. I assess the results of the Summit very positively: endorsement of the economic policies which have brought non-inflationary growth to all our countries: a determination to deal with imbalances: a strong statement of our collective resolve to make no concessions in dealing with terrorism: a reaffirmation of the vital role of nuclear weapons in preserving peace: a commitment to the principle of freedom of navigation in the Gulf: a common wish to tackle the problem of AIDS. Signor Fanfani deserves great personal credit for getting agreement to such a substantial package.
Of course in normal circumstances I would have met Signor [end p2] Fanfani in London before the Summit. I have known and admired him for many years. But inevitably with a crucial election campaign in full swing - and remember that ours is very compressed lasting only three weeks - you have to clear your diary and concentrate on winning the battle. The whole future of our country turned on it. I am sure Signor Fanfani, as a seasoned campaigner himself, fully understood - indeed he was kind enough to say as much.
Q6
Is Europe still one of the Prime Minister's priorities? How optimistic is she about the future?
A6
We are entering on a difficult phase in the European Community in which decisions will be needed on future financing. We need fundamental reform of the CAP. We cannot just go on spending as though there was no tomorrow. The Community must live within its means and exercise the same financial discipline as we apply in our national budgets. I foresee some tough negotiations. But I am confident that the Community will emerge stronger as a result.
Elsewhere I see a real prospect of securing reductions in the number of nuclear weapons, thanks to NATO's firmness in deploying Cruise and Pershing. And I think we can look to steady economic growth, provided that we do not surrender to protectionism. The message from the Venice Summit was one of confidence and optimism. I subscribe to that.