Thirsk

Oral Answers to Questions — Social Services – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 14 March 1972.

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Photo of Dennis Skinner Dennis Skinner , Bolsover 12:00, 14 March 1972

asked the Prime Minister if he will make an official visit to Thirsk, Yorkshire.

Photo of Mr Edward Heath Mr Edward Heath , Bexley

I have at present no plans to do so.

Photo of Dennis Skinner Dennis Skinner , Bolsover

Is the Prime Minister aware that he should go to Thirsk and put a stop to the Tories using offensive words like "traitor" against the Father of the House? Since it is rumoured that the Prime Minister is looking for a new constituency, why does not he apply for the Chiltern Hundreds and arrange a contest so that we can get the full-hearted consent of the people of Thirsk? I am sure that the usual channels will help.

Photo of Mr Edward Heath Mr Edward Heath , Bexley

I do not think that my right hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton (Sir Robin Turton) requires the assistance of the hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner) in dealing with this problem.

Photo of Mr Robin Turton Mr Robin Turton , Thirsk and Malton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this projected by-election is being frustrated by the refusal of the constituency Labour Party to put country before party by allowing a by-election to take place on the single issue of the Common Market? Is he also aware that, apart from these little local difficulties, he will always be welcome in the Thirsk and Malton division, particularly since some of the ancestors of the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition used to live in that constituency?

Photo of Mr Edward Heath Mr Edward Heath , Bexley

I am not sure whether the welcome given to me by my right hon. Friend is somewhat qualified by the last part of his supplementary question, but I am glad to know that he places no responsibility for these matters on us.