Prospect of ‘months of gush? appals M.P.

Press, 26 February 1981, Page 6

Prospect of ‘months of gush? appals M.P.

NZPA - Reuter London The anti-monarchist British Member of Parliament Willie Hamilton, suggested yesterday that there could have been connir vance between the Prime Minister (Mrs Margaret Thatcher) and Buckingham Palace to make the announcement of Prince Charles’s engagement coincide with that of the latest unemployment figures of nearly 2.5 million. “Governments have a way of doing these thngs, the timing is important and it will detract attention from the biggest bloody

scandal in Britain today — 2.5 million out of work and -robably more than three million with those on short time and others who have not registered.” . Mr Hamilton, Labour member of Central Fife, said: “I am appalled by the prospect of several months of gush and distraction from the main concerns of the nation which are the terrible plight we find ourselves in after two years of Mrs Thatcher.” Asked if he offered the couple his good wishes, Mr Hamilton said: “In the same way I would offer

good wishes to every young couple getting married. I wish them no harm.” The engagement announcement boosted shares in.companies likely to cash in on the Royal wedding. China manufacturers Royal Worcester- and Wedgwood, who will be making commemorative plates and mugs, were both marked higher on the Stock Exchange yesterday. The Birmingham Mint, which.will produce special coin issues, and the hotel group, Trust House Forte, in hopes of a big tourist influx, also did well.