Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

1964 General Election Address

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Source: Thatcher Archive
Editorial comments: Exact date of publication unknown, but MT usually published her address shortly after adoption.
Importance ranking: Major
Word count: 582
Themes: Conservatism, Education, Industry, General Elections, Pay, Trade, Foreign policy - theory and process, Housing, Social security & welfare, Trade union law reform

A Personal Message

267 Ballards Lane, Finchley, N.12. October, 1964.

Dear Elector,

Following the 1959 victory in this division when you returned me to Westminster with an overwhelming majority over both my opponents, I resolved to do my almost to justify your trust.

In the years since then I have tried to help every constituent who needed advice or assistance and have also taken every opportunity to enter into the life of Finchley and Friern Barnet. My Denis Thatcherhusband and I have made new friends day by day and we have found the work most enjoyable.

In this election address I have outlined a few points from the Conservative Manifesto. I shall deal in detail with our policy for the future throughout the campaign.

I promise to continue to work in your interests and I hope you will renew your confidence in me on October 15th.

Yours sincerely,

Margaret Thatcher

P.S. The only way to return a Conservative Government is to vote Conservative on October 15th.

Prosperity—with a purpose

Britain in the world

We are at peace and the prospects for our children are better than they were a few years ago. This is because a Conservative Government has stood firm on a policy of strength, and of loyalty to our allies, but has always been willing to negotiate whenever an opportunity could be found.

A Trading Nation

The power and influence of Britain abroad and her standards at home all depend on a flourishing trade. Exports are our lifeblood and we have private enterprise to thank for most of them. NO GOVERNMENT CAN TELL OVERSEAS CUSTOMERS WHAT THEY OUGHT TO BUY. Keeping prices competitive is the most important factor.

A Conservative Government will continue its efforts to keep earnings and productivity in step and to stimulate competition.

Education

The needs of education have had high priority under Conservative Governments. Since 1951 an average of 10 new schools have been completed every week and there are now twice as many young people going to college or university as there were then.

A conservative Government will press ahead with building new schools, training more teachers and expanding universities.

Homes

Nearly 4 million new homes have been built under the Conservatives, and one million older houses have been modernised with the aid of grants.

Next year a Conservative Government aims to build 400,000 new homes a year.

Owner occupation has spread to 44 families in every 100. Its continued increase will be encouraged.

Pensions

In 1959 we promised that pensioners would have a share in increased prosperity. The pension was then 50/— a week for a single person—it is now 67/6 a week.

When pensions are next increased a Conservative Government will see that the older pensioner has a larger increase than the one who has not been retired for so long.

The earnings rule will be steadily relaxed.

People Matter Most

A nation is as great as the people within it. Our victories over tyranny, our prestige abroad and our achievements at home all stem from the initiative and quality of our individual men and women.

The aim of Conservative policy is to uphold our British way of life centred on the liberty of the individual

Conservatives Will

Raise The Target for New Homes to 400,000 a year.

Give Preferential treatment to the older pensioner.

Enquire into trade union law.

Strengthen the monopolies commission.