Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Speech to Finchley Conservative Women

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: Alexandra Palace, North London
Source: Finchley Press, 22 April 1965
Editorial comments: 1200. Sir Edward Boyle was the guest speaker, MT replying to the toast.
Importance ranking: Minor
Word count: 449

You have a Winner

Sir Edward Boyle

In Mrs. Margaret Thatcher you have chosen a really first class winner for Finchley,” said Sir Edward Boyle Bt. MP and former Minister of Education, who was the guest speaker at the Annual Luncheon of the Womens Advisory Committee of the Finchley and Friern Barnet Conservative and Unionist Association.

At the Luncheon held at Alexandra Palace on Thursday last week, Sir Edward told 200 ladies that he had the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Margaret Thatcher since 1945 at Oxford when she was Miss Margaret Roberts.

He said she rapidly made her name in politics with the Oxford Conservative Association. “I admired and respected her and have followed her career with interest. In 1959 she moved a Private Member's Bill with a splendid maiden speech and has combined great political success with constituency success.”

Turning to country politics, Sir Edward said: “This year is going to be an important one in the history of the Conservative Party. There are many important tasks that our future depends on. And these must be done well. One of the tasks is to sort out our opponents' mistakes. When Mr. Wilson 's Government took power a White Paper was brought out stating there would be no undue pressure on resources. But we have had two tough budgets since then. When we come back after the recess we will fight hard against the Finance Bill. Our whole standard of living depends upon the right economic policy. We must use our economic resources in a reliable and efficient way.”

Education

Talking on Education, Sir Edward said: The Conservatives were not in principle against comprehensive schools. In some areas these can be the only solution. But it should be remembered that grammar schools have contributed an immense amount to the well being of this country. “I hope you people in Finchley and Friern Barnet will help the Party as much as you can. You have a splendid record to maintain. We must look forward. With everyone's combined efforts we will be successful.”

Replying to the toast of the Conservative Party which Sir Edward proposed, the Member of Parliament for Finchley and Friern Barnet, Mrs. Margaret Thatcher said that everyone must keep their eye on the ball.

“The choice is between a Socialist or a Conservative Britain. The longer the Socialists stay in power the more damaging they will be to Britain's long term prospects. Socialism does not just mean nationalisation. Socialism means control of our industries, our lives. They are more concerned to bring someone down than someone up. We are the Party to build Britain, the Labour Party is the one who will bring it down. Finchley and Friern Barnet will certainly follow and back up the Conservative Party to the utmost.”