A New Britain

A New Britain

The Conservative Party Manifesto 1991

A Foreword from the Leader of the Conservative Party

The Right Honourable Archer Gillespie, MP

Great Britain has come a long way in the past decade, from a country at the brink of disaster to one of the leading nations in the Western world. This is something all of us can be proud of, but at the same time, we need to aim even higher. We need to look towards the future and aspire to do better. The Conservative Party lays before you a plan to make Britain do even better. We want a Britain where more people have jobs, a Britain where people trust their money and where there is sustainable growth. We want efficient public services that serve the people of Britain. We want a Britain that is a leader abroad, championing human rights and international law. We want to give people the opportunities they deserve, businesses the chance to compete in the global market. We want schools where everyone is taught not only the basics such as writing and making sums, but also reading Shakespeare and using computers. We want a country where education broadens the horizons of our children, so they understand more, know more and are able to do more. We want a Britain with effective health services, because being healthy is an unalienable right of every human being. We will fight poverty and social exclusion, we will fight prejudice and crime. We will not only fight the symptoms, but also the causes, to root it from our society. Now, more than ever, I believe we must work together and be pragmatic to build a New Britain. Now, more than ever, the choice you make is black and white. Now, more than ever, vote to move this country forward. Vote for the Conservative Party.

Protecting A New Britain Protecting at Home The Conservatives have always stood for the protection of citizens and the rule of law. We believe that society is entitled to a sense of security, to have peace of mind, and to know that when transgressed, the offender will be brought to justice swiftly. Our policies on law and order are designed to protect our citizens and preserve our way of life. We are constantly searching for new ways to ensure justice in Britain is swift and fair. Britain experiences less violent crime than many comparable countries – but crime continues to rise and new areas and difficulties in maintaining law and order are emerging. It is important and it is right that we meet these new challenges – we must fight lawlessness and violence, we must tackle youth and property crime and we must hit the message home that offenders will be caught and punished accordingly. We have taken a big step forward in recent times – the formation of Neighbourhood watches and introduction of local policemen is recreating an important sense of community in many areas. We must continue and expand upon this work and ensure that crime and criminals are met with the full force of both the law and a united community, dedicated to bringing crime down. We have effective policies for the policing of neighbourhoods, to strengthen community bonds, and to maintain a united front against crime. Crime is constantly evolving, and the fight against crime must evolve along with it – we have policies to tackle the areas of concern for Britain today – which is why we have 11 Parliamentary Bills ready to introduce straight after the election, with more to follow, and we have launched a reform of our prisons, improving the prospect that those who serve custodial sentences will not return to crime. As Britain moves forward into a new era, we will be ready to tackle the dangers ordinary Britons face, to maintain confidence in the legal system, and to ensure that ordinary Britons always have the upper hand against crime.

Police and Prisons The Police and Prisons make up the heart of the Criminal Justice system, and we are constantly creating policies that ensure that both are fit for purpose and perform their duties efficiently. We have already introduced a National Police Computer which will allow police forces to share information and intelligence across the Country, aiding in increasing detection and arrest rates, and bringing more offenders to justice. If re-elected, The Conservative Party pledges to: -

Hire 1,200 more Police Officers every year Create 1,000 more prison places every year Give police the power to disperse groups of intimidating youths Reform prisons in a way to reduce re-offending rates

- Increase the role of civilians in the Police force – freeing thousands of hours for Police Officers each year, meaning more time spent on the streets - Create ‘Safer Neighbourhood’ police teams for inner city areas – dedicated teams of Police to combat crime quickly and effectively - Give police the power to take children under 16 home after 9pm - Create local Police Boards, improving local police accountability - Pursue a zero-tolerance policy against drugs and drug-related crime If elected, we pledge to increase Police Officer numbers by 1,200 a year. Police numbers are already at a record high, and we intend to increase this further. The Police form the backbone of the criminal justice system and are the component which most people come into contact with. We believe that high numbers of Police Officers are needed to ensure that we maintain the upper hand against crime and that with more officers on the streets – the security of our citizens’ increases. We will also create 1,000 more prison places every year we are in power. Prison is the most serious punishment available to judges when sentencing, and it is necessary that they are both fit for purpose and that there is sufficient space in the system to send offenders when necessary. We will give Police the power to disperse groups of youths or other intimidating groups. In areas of high crime or anti-social behaviour, it is important that the Police have the means to act in order to protect communities and maintain law and order. Police will have the power to disperse groups from a certain area when given authority by an Officer who ranks inspector or above. This ensures good police accountability, while also maintaining a means for the Police to act. The conservatives have done more to reform our prison system than any other government this century. We intend to continue this process to ensure that Britain’s prison system is humane and fit for purpose – while also ensuring that strict rules and routines are followed. We’ll put a new emphasis on punishment and rehabilitation – equipping prisoners with the skills necessary to lift themselves out of crime and onto the social ladder. We’ll seek to increase the role of civilians in the Police, lifting burdens of paperwork and non-frontline work off of Officer’s shoulders. This is already partly being tackled by the National Police Computer introduced by this government. Our plans will free up thousands of hours for our Officers – helping to ensure that our Police spend more time where they are needed – on our streets. We will create ‘safer neighbourhood’ teams for our cities and extend provision for ‘neighbourhood’ policeman for small urban and rural areas. It is important that local communities know their Police, and that Police know local people and the local area. Our Safer neighbourhood teams will be dedicated teams of Police Officers directly responsible for high-crime areas and blackspots in our cities. They will work round-the-clock to restore law and order to all corners of our Country. Areas famed for crime and disorder will be specifically targeted, and criminals constantly pursued and hounded, disrupting criminal movements and operations, and restoring normality to law-abiding citizens.

Our Police will also be given the power to take unruly children home after nine o’clock. This, combined with Parental Control Orders detailed below, will be an effective method to deal with very young offenders, and stop youngsters embarking on a life of crime. By installing methods to deal effectively with young people, we intend to restore normality to people plagued by anti-social behaviour. We will also create local police boards, who will be directly responsible for overseeing Police actions, personnel, deployments and responses to crime and ongoing problems. The Boards will work closely with Chief Constables to ensure that Police are providing an efficient, public-friendly service to local people. The Board shall also consult extensively with local people, and release annual reports on Police functionality and public opinion – forces will then be compared in a ranking table, to encourage all forces to strive for the best possible service. Finally, we will pursue a zero-tolerance policy against drug abusers and drug related crimes. We will encourage the Police and the CPS to pursue drug offenders – especially dealers – to the fullest extent of the law, and will increase penalties for such offenders, making sure Judges have the adequate framework with which to deal with such crimes.

Security The Conservative Party pledges to: - Introduce a Neighbourhood Patrol Scheme - Make it a legal obligation for private security personnel to be properly licensed - Create safe havens for homeless people under 18, and those who runaway from home, protecting those who are most vulnerable - Encourage provision of CCTV in public areas and on public transport, improving security in public places, - Offer grants to install alarm systems and double glazing to properties, improving home security and reducing property crime - Change the law on defending your home, allowing home owners to use all but ‘grossly excessive’ force in defending their homes and their families, - Make it a requirement that cyclists must pass a Cycling Proficiency Test, in order to reduce road deaths - Increase the penalty for a crime if it can be proven to be drug induced or drug related - Make joyriding a criminal offence - Give home owners a set legal means to evict squatters - Make stalking a criminal offence - Make witness intimidation a criminal offence - Increase the punishment for causing death by dangerous and drink driving - Create curfew orders and enforce electronic monitoring of offenders – providing another suitable method of combating crime - End the right of automatic early release for prisoners - Create Parental Control Orders – allowing Courts to hold parents accountable for the unacceptable behaviour of their children - Increase the penalty for making a hoax call to the emergency services If re-elected, we’ll introduce a Neighbourhood patrol scheme. The scheme will see private

security firms being awarded contracts by local authorities to provide regular patrols to neighbourhoods, adding another layer of security and protection to our citizens. The security personnel will be able to act as independent witnesses and give reassurance and crime prevention advice to households. The scheme will be voluntary, and would cost a household from just £5 a month to participate. The security company would provide regular foot and car patrols in addition to an increased police presence. We will also make it law that all private security personnel – from supermarkets to public houses - should be properly trained and licensed, reducing incidents of assault and mistreatment by private security personnel. We would introduce safe-havens for under-18s who run away for home or are homeless. These 24-hour centres run by Social Services would keep them off the streets and work with them to stop them from descending into a life on the streets or a life of crime. We’ll work with private companies to encourage the provision of CCTV on public transport, to deter opportunistic thieves and other criminal activities. We’ll actively seek to reduce crime on public transport. We’ll also seek to massively improve home security and reduce property crime. The Conservatives will offer grants to households to install home improvements such as double glazing and an alarm system. The government would supply grants on a sliding scale, offering up to 50% of the cost of these improvements, which wouldn’t have to be paid back. We would also change the law on intruders in the home – so that homeowners can use anything but ‘grossly disproportionate’ force in defending their homes and families. We will also equip homeowners with the legal framework with which to combat squatting. We intend to see that all cyclists take a cycling proficiency test before being allowed to use the roads – reducing accidents and road deaths on our roads. We have ten laws relating to crime ready to go through Parliament straight after being relected, which include: - Make joyriding a criminal offence - Give home owners a set legal means to evict squatters - Make stalking a criminal offence - Make witness intimidation a criminal offence - ncrease the punishment for causing death by dangerous and drink driving - Create curfew orders and enforce electronic monitoring of offenders – providing another suitable method of combating crime - End the right of automatic early release for prisoners - Create Parental Control Orders – allowing Courts to hold parents accountable for the unacceptable behaviour of their children - Increase the penalty for making a hoax call to the emergency services[/quote] We’ll also deter drug abuse and drug-related crime. We intend to pursue a zero-tolerance approach to policing illegal drugs. We will increase the penalty for those proven to commit crimes that are drug-related, making law-abiding Britons more secure in their homes.

Immigration The Conservative Party pledges to: - Create a Border control Police Force, which will take on the front line roles of Customs and Excise and Immigration. It will be charged with preventing and detecting smuggling, illegal immigration and ensuring Britain’s borders, ports and airports are secure. - Make it a crime to enter the Country without documents – passengers without documents will be deported back to the Country of origin and airlines which carry such passengers into the UK shall be fined, - Introduce a points-based immigration system, ensuring that only skilled economic migrants that are beneficial to Britain are granted extended stay and right to work. If reelected, we’ll combine frontline Customs and Immigration duties as part of a national Police force, charged with controlling Britain’s borders. It will take a united, effective policing approach, cutting down on smuggling, illegal immigration and border control issues. This will free up immigration and Customs officers to deal with other cases. We’ll make it a crime to enter Britain without documents. Airlines who carry passengers without documents will be fined, and forced to deport such persons at their own expense to their point of origin. We’ll introduce a points-based immigration system, making sure that Britain benefits from immigration. Only skilled persons who possess vital and useful skills required for the British labour market shall be admitted. This firm, but fair system will ensure that Britain and society gets its 'fair share' out of immigration.

Protecting Abroad Introduction For decades, the world hung under the shadow of the Cold War, with the awful possibility of nuclear conflict breaking out. For over 40 years, Britain’s mission around the globe was clear – to uphold freedom, prosperity and democracy in the face of Communism and tyranny. The Cold War has now ended. The old certainties are no more. And this leaves a new world, an uncertain world, leaving established international institutions trying to find a role for themselves, to redefine themselves in the face of a new global order. Strong leadership is absolutely essential for Britain abroad in this decade, as our great nation reasserts itself on the world stage. Under Mrs Thatcher, the United Kingdom became once again, a country to be reckoned with. This government has built upon her tremendous achievements, in freeing Kuwait from oppression, in providing aid to the benighted and disaster-struck nation of Bangladesh, and in negotiations to provide Britain with the best possible deal in the European Community. The Conservative Party has achieved a great deal for Britain around the world. Let us deliver for Britain, then, and re-elect the Conservatives on Election Day.

Rt. Hon. Robert Noble-Gordon, MP Foreign Secretary.

Europe The Conservative Party has a deserved reputation as the Party of a Europe beneficial towards Britain. It was a Conservative Government that brought us into the European Community under Mr Heath in 1972. It was a Conservative Government that signed the Single European Act in 1986 that freed markets throughout the Community, allowing British businesses to export goods to other Western nations. The Conservative Party has stood up for Britain in Europe, and, if reelected, will continue to do so. We will continue to carry forward our great legacy of involvement in the Community while safeguarding our essential national interests and sovereignty. If elected, a Conservative Government will take a pragmatic approach towards the EEC in the upcoming treaty negotiations. We will not simply divorce ourselves from the Community for reasons of ideology, nor will we allow ourselves to be subsumed into an all compassing Federation. The Conservative Party is the Party of common-sense and prudence throughout all areas of government, and we will continue to apply those principles to Europe. A Conservative Government will press for a better deal for our farmers and fishermen with regards to the Common Agricultural Policy and the Common Fisheries Policy. Our agriculturalists are amongst the most efficient and innovative in Europe. It is essential, for their benefit, that we renegotiate the CAP to link subsidies to sustainable land management, rather than production, and to ensure that our fishermen receive the lion’s share of stocks from our own waters. We will also push for freer trade throughout the EEC and beyond, lobbying for lower trading barriers between Community nations and the outside world. Britain is a great trading nation. Our history has been entwined with entrepreneurship and enterprise, opening up new markets and sponsoring innovative practices. Our country benefits from free trade, and a Conservative Government believes that an enhancement of the EEC’s role as an organisation to promote free trade within and without its confines would be most beneficial to both Britain and the rest of the Community. There is a fine line to be struck between international and national responsibilities. The Conservative Party believes in the EEC as a viable forum for co-operation amongst independent, sovereign European nations. We will seek to ensure that the EEC remains an organisation of nation-states freely collaborating with each other for the benefit of all, but ultimately retaining independence of action. The Conservative Party believes that Britain should not isolate itself from the rest of the Community. We want Britain to be a leader in Europe, not throwing tantrums from the sidelines. While the correct path to tread to achieve this goal will be narrow and difficult to achieve, it is the Conservative Party, with its base of principled pragmatism in foreign affairs, which can be counted upon to lead Europe whilst retaining a national basis for the Community. With the end of the Cold War, comes a new Europe. The nations of Eastern Europe have torn off the shackles of Communism, and are now forging ahead as free states once again. One of the significant achievements of our third term has been to play a significant role in the reunification of Germany, the healing over of wounds that have divided an entire nation for over 40 years. Britain, under a Conservative Government, will encourage friendly ties between ourselves and the countries of Eastern Europe. We will encourage British investment into these new economies in order to benefit Britons and Eastern Europeans alike. A stable Europe is one in which our national interests can flourish, and a Conservative Government will spur these newly freed nations to participate in the organisations that contribute to the current stability across the continent, for example future membership of the EEC and Council of Europe. Co-operation between East and West will be absolutely vital to ensuring the future security of Europe, and the Conservative Party believes that NATO, the EC and UN have their roles to play here.

A New Era The end of the Cold War has created a new era in global politics and affairs. With old threats vanishing and new ones appearing, the time for leadership in this world is now. Britain has shown that it can play its role in leading the world. In December 1990, we presented the resolution to the Security Council that gave a deadline for Iraq to fully evacuate Kuwait, and when Iraq did not comply, played a significant role in liberating Kuwait and ensuring peace in the Middle East. The Conservative Government has once again elevated Britain to the status of a global power. The Persian Gulf War showed that the United Nations can act as a force for the good. We saw the Security Council acting as what the UN’s founders surely intended – nations resolving upon how to deal with a particular crisis and then following that solution through. The United Kingdom played a key role in ensuring that a general consensus emerged upon how best to deal with the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. A Conservative Government would seek to build upon our successes in Kuwait, by encouraging a more consensual approach to international affairs by the member states of the United Nations. The Conservative Party is committed to the United Nations and to the high ideals that were its founding base. In an age where the divisions of old are no longer as visible, the United Nations can finally play a much greater role in the world, and the United Kingdom would seek to strengthen the UN and support decisions made by the various bodies that make up that organisation. NATO was originally conceived as an instrument of defence against the Soviet Union. With the withdrawal of the Red Army from Central and Eastern Europe, and the collapse of the Warsaw Pact, it is clear that this purpose is no longer relevant. Many will use this as an opportunity to call for the dismantling of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. The Conservative Party disagrees. Now, when the future shape of global politics is uncertain, the need for NATO, a rock of stability in these unsettled times, is greater than ever. A Conservative government will push for a wider and broader role for NATO in the world of today. We will press our fellow NATO members to agree to broaden the scope of the organisation beyond the North Atlantic and Mediterranean, to possibly admit such countries as Australia and New Zealand, and to closely co-operate with the nations of Eastern and Central Europe, the United Nations, EC, Commonwealth and other international organisations of importance. NATO has a great role to play around the globe. Only with the Conservative Party can you be sure that Britain will not abandon or ignore NATO. Throughout our history, the Commonwealth of Nations has played a critical role in defining Britain’s place in the world. Through the gallant assistance of the Empire and Commonwealth, Britain was able to survive, and emerge victorious, from two World Wars. However, during recent decades the Commonwealth’s place in British policy has been downplayed and downgraded. The Conservative Party, if re-elected, would seek to reinvigorate the Commonwealth as a force for good in the world. We would encourage the emergence of the Commonwealth as a vehicle to advance human rights within its member states. A Conservative Government would press for stronger economic ties between the nations of the Commonwealth and the EEC through the various conventions and means that currently exist, and would also use the Commonwealth as a valuable forum for developmental assistance and aid. The ability to manufacture and retain nuclear arms is one of the most potent powers in the world. Nations can overnight become important players on the international stage simply due to their possession of nuclear weapons. However, it is incumbent upon the British Government to ensure that these weapons of mass destruction do not fall into the wrong hands. A Conservative Government will actively promote the prevention of nuclear proliferation, and will work to reduce nuclear stockpiles through co-operation and consensus with other powers in possession of nuclear warheads. The Conservative Party also pledges to work for the complete elimination of chemical weapons all over the globe, and will take the lead in international efforts to do so.

A Special Relationship exists between the United States and the United Kingdom. During times of war, we have come to each other’s aid. During peacetime, we have jointly aided the economic reconstruction of Europe. The recent War in the Persian Gulf has shown the great potential that exists for the ‘Special Relationship’. We would seek to constantly work together with our American partners, in the sphere of military technology and advancement, and in the UN and NATO to redefine both organisations. The Conservative Government has strengthened the special bond that exists between America and Britain, in bringing an end to the Cold War, in the Gulf and in the promotion of human rights and democracy around the globe. Together, Britain and the USA form a great partnership, a partnership for the better. It is the belief of the Conservative Party that we can further continue and strengthen our cross-Atlantic ties.

International Development and Aid For many decades, the needs and requirements of the Cold War dictated the focus of Britain’s aid and developmental funds upon international ‘hotspots’ and areas under threat from Communist infiltration. Now, with the end of the Cold War, the United Kingdom can look anew at our international development strategies. It is time to evaluate where our aid is going, and where it would do the most good and advance British interests the most. The Conservative Party believes that the Commonwealth can act as an effective forum for the advancement of the economies of member states. We pledge to refocus our aid efforts upon the Commonwealth of Nations, to take a greater role in promoting the development of emerging economies in the Southern Hemisphere and Caribbean. Through an international developmental strategy aimed at the Commonwealth, nations around the world can be brought together in an attempt to promote greater understanding of each other, and to broker better relations. Through promoting economic co-operation, not just with the Commonwealth but with other developing economies, we can benefit Britain and other countries alike. One of the foremost criteria for dispersal of aid must be human rights. Around the world, all too many ordinary people live in fear, deprived of their natural rights, forbidden from forming political organisations, arrested, tortured and executed for opposition to the government of the day, and lacking access to basic needs such as healthcare and education. The Conservative Party pledges that persistent human rights records will be punished by the reduction or complete removal of British aid, when our national security does not dictate otherwise. A Conservative Government will promote universal suffrage, basic liberties and the provision of elementary education and healthcare around the world and reward states that show advances in these areas by increasing aid. The recent and tragic floods in Bangladesh have shown the effect that our aid can have. British military and humanitarian personnel are deeply involved in the attempts to deal with the disaster and to rebuild the country. We will aim to work with the UN, Commonwealth, NATO and other organisations and NGOs in order to co-ordinate our responses to natural disasters, and thus to provide an effective effort to deal with rebuilding devastated countries.

Protecting from Attack Introduction The Conservative Party has always been committed to the strong defence of this country and Britain’s global interests. We understand that to have a strong Britain, a Britain capable of making

its voice heard, that we must have a strong defence. As the world changes from the end of what has been termed the ‘Cold War’ the old dangers pass, but new dangers form in their place. The job of the next Government shall therefore be to adapt to the said changes, and to make sure that Britain’s defences are ready to cope with the problems that we face. The Conservative Record on defence is already impressive. We have: - Installed Cruise Missiles to add to the defence of the nation - Mediated the reduction of missiles aimed at us by the USSR - Increased by over 20% (in real terms) spending on our armed forces and improving their pay. - Continued to keep Britain an independent nuclear power. - Successfully prosecuted two wars in the Falklands and more recently in the Gulf. - Begun preparations for the procurement of Trident, to enable our nuclear deterrent into the 21st Century. The Conservative Party therefore is a Party that can be trusted with defence. However there are many other areas that have to be considered in terms of the security of the nation.

Our Nuclear Deterrent The first major problem that has been identified is the role of nuclear arms now that we face the collapse of the Communist Bloc in the East. Despite the calls of money to scrap our nuclear deterrent, the Conservative Party continues to affirm that our sound defence rests on a strong nuclear deterrent. That is why the Conservative Party continues its commitments to purchase the Trident Missile Program, to maintain an effective nuclear defence. The Conservative Party however also believes that it is in the best interest of the entire world to continue to actively reduce the amount of nuclear weapons that are currently in circulation. The Conservative Party will therefore continue to lead the calls in the developed world for a reduction in the nuclear stockpiles. We understand that with so much danger present, it would be an error on the part of any Government not to wish to actively reduce to the number of these devices across the world, especially in the East where smaller powers are now gaining access to such weapons. The Conservative Party shall keep to its earlier promises of mediating talks to make weapons of this kind of shorter range so that they propose less of potential threat should they fall into the wrong hands. The Conservative Party shall also lead the international community in its desire to eliminate all forms of chemical weapons so as to prevent attacks from these vile weapons of war.

Our Conventional Deterrent The Conservative Party does not merely base its defence on nuclear weapons alone, and with the recent conflict in the Middle East, understands that having a well equipped conventional force is also a necessity. However with the changing world that we live, the type of conventional force that we need should be different. The Conservative Party believes that quality, rather then quantity should be the mantra of our Armed Forces, and shall seek to streamline the Armed Forces to make them more efficient for international deployment. Our last three major conflicts; Kuwait, The Falklands and Korea have all been thousands of miles away, and so keeping a force that is geared towards a war on the continent would be a miscalculation. While we do not wish to leave a weak defence in Europe, we want to create a rapidly deployable, flexible armed force that can combat with the changing demands of a modern war. The Conservative Party will therefore continue to argue for a better and more flexible conventional defence in our modern world.

Our Diplomatic Deterrent Weapons of war are not the only method for our defence, our treaties and commitments continue

to form a strong basis of our overall defence policy. Though the threat of a Communist invasion in Eastern Europe may have departed, the Conservative maintains that NATO remains a cornerstone to our international defence. NATO continues to serve a purpose as a deterrent to those that would attack the powers within the Alliance. NATO continues to keep the peace and security of Europe and North America, and unites us all in the bonds of mutual protection and fellowship. NATO has been the stalwart of our military defence for many years, and it would be foolhardy of a Government to turn its back on these commitments. The Conservative Party shall continue to work hard with and within NATO to make sure that Europe and the World remains a safer place for us all to live in.

Our European Deterrent The issue of European Security is now also at the heart of the debate on defence. With a united Germany for the first time since the Second World War, the fall of the Iron Curtain and numerous other events, Europe is a much different place since the last election. We therefore, must adapt our defence to meet with that. The British Army of the Rhine still remains in Germany, and while Germany has no active defence remains a part of its defence. The Conservative Party understands the balance that Britain provides on the continent and we shall do what we can to produce a balanced Europe, but also a secure Europe. Our defence rests on the stability and peace of Europe, as a deterrent to others. The Labour Party has tried to style itself as the Party of Defence. Yet it was they that opposed the Cruise Missile Deployments that eventually brought the Soviet Union back to the table in terms of nuclear missile reductions. The Labour Party opposed the purchase of Trident originally, and has only in the past few months made a U-Turn on the policy. The Liberal Democrats still maintain (despite its obvious successes) the end of our nuclear deterrent, despite the fact that no amount of spending on conventional arms could reach the level of security that can be achieved by an active and strong nuclear deterrent.

Adopt, Adapt and Improve Therefore, we propose: - Maintenance of a strong nuclear deterrent through the purchase of the Trident Missile System - To seek to reduce the amount of strategic nuclear weapons currently stockpiled - To eliminate completely the use of chemical weapons by countries across the world - Produce a streamlined, rapidly deployable conventional force to maintain our security at home and abroad. - Continue our commitments to NATO as the basis for our overall security - Build a strong, stable and secure Europe in the wake of recent changes on the continent With recent changes in the world, the world is a different place. We in the Conservative Party bear true to the motto of the Round Table: ‘Adopt, Adapt and Improve’

Creating A New Britain Creating A New Economy Introduction Britain stands at a crossroads. The chance to complete the Conservative vision of creating a capital owning democracy of financially independent families finally stands within our grasp. Conversely, there exists a real threat to the progress, which has been made over the past eleven years. The electors of the United Kingdom are faced with two opposing ideologies at this election conservatism and socialism. We must not forget exactly what the Labour Party advocates for the British economy. This is a Labour Party, which clings resolutely to an ancient clause, which advocates the nationalisation of private corporations. Our economy cannot afford to take such a risk by electing a failed Socialist entity to government. For the past eleven years, the Conservative Party has transformed the British economic landscape. We have witnessed an unprecedented level of economic growth, so as to reach a stage today where our economy is five times the size it was in 1979. We have championed the causes of home and shares ownership to the benefit of millions of Britons. We have allowed enterprise to flourish by easing the tax burden and freeing entrepreneurs of red tape. We have come a long way from being the "sick man" of Europe. The actions that the Conservative Party has taken took considerable political courage - demonstrating our unwavering commitment to place country before Party. And, with the endorsement of the public, the Conservative Party in government will continue to fight for Britain. Now, more than ever, the British economy requires a Conservative government. We make this simple pledge to you - we will never tire in our quest to improve the lot of the ordinary Briton. We will not cease until financial independence is a reality for all British families. We will not flag in our fight against unemployment and inflation. This is our pledge to the British people and we will not fail to deliver. The future of the British economy has its roots in the present, just as the present state of the economy owes its position to the past. When the Conservatives came to power in 1979, the very future of the British economy was in doubt. Britain’s economy was fatally weak, public borrowing was spiralling out of control, strikes became a normal part of daily life, entrepreneurs were over taxed, over regulated and undervalued. The Conservatives have changed all of this. During the 80’s Britain grew faster than France or Germany. The trade union movement was confronted and industrial disputes have become rare events. To understand just how far we have come, we must always remember what Britain was like eleven years ago.

Personal Taxation and Duties When we came to office, the higher rate of income tax was a staggering eighty-three pence in the pound. Today it stands at a mere forty pence in the pound. In the space of a decade, we have halved the tax burden placed on the individual. And, our commitment to those Britons at the lower end of the income scale is without question. We have, year after year, in successive budgets, consistently lowered the tax burden on the poorest British citizens. In the 1991 Budget, we introduced a third, lower band of taxation. This band affects the first nine hundred pounds of income after the tax-free allowance and currently stands at thirteen per cent. This may not mean a

lot in theory, but if we consider the case of a teacher in London on average wages, this innovation saves him £132 every single year. The Conservatives have always believed that the British people know how to spend their money better than Whitehall. Not only have we revolutionised the personal tax system, we have constantly increased the personal tax-free allowance, so that it today stands at £3,100. Earlier this year, the government saw the effects of a slow-down in the housing market. We responded by easing the pressure, which has built up, in the market by cutting interests by a half percent. This has had a significant effect on the lives of millions of Britons, and has demonstrated our willingness to listen and respond to the British public when asked to do so. This government has ensured that the Bank of England is now independent and free to set interest rates. This is a significant step forward for the economy and it will ensure that the care of the setting interest rates falls upon experts who have devoted their lives to the study of economics. It will mean that inflation targets are met and prudent fiscal management further strengthens the economy. Given the uncertain nature of the petroleum industry, combined with the reliance of Britons on this valuable resource, we have frozen the rate of fuel duty. The Conservatives understand the importance of motoring to Britons, we don’t seek to penalise motorists. Nor do we seek to hamper the ability of a son to pass his life’s work to his son. We cut inheritance tax in this year’s budget as we don’t believe that the British public should fear the macabre spectre of a death tax forever hovering over them. And so, with these considerable achievements behind us, the Conservatives promise to build upon them for our shared economic future. If re-elected, a Conservative government will; - Increase the tax-free allowance to ensure that by the end of our term in office, it will stand at £3,750. - Ensure that the third, lower band of taxation rises no higher than its current rate of 13% and is expanded beyond the first nine hundred pounds of income after the tax-free allowance. - Cut the middle band of taxation, to significantly ease the burden currently placed on the middle classes. - Ensure that the Bank of England remains independent and responds to the needs of our economy. - Freeze the rate of fuel duty. - Ensure that the current level of inheritance tax doesn’t increase.

Investment in Frontline Services The Conservatives have a long and proud tradition when it comes to funding frontline services used in the daily lives of millions of Britons. This year saw significant increases in funding for our NHS service, the police service, the fire service and the Armed Forces. This year alone saw the successful resolution of the Gulf conflict, in which the British Armed Forces were among the best equipped in the world. Funding for the defence of the United Kingdom is and always will be one of the biggest concerns of a Conservative government. Only when the British people feel secure can any progress in other areas be made. This year also saw the launching of the NHS Millennium Project, aimed at revolutionising patient care in Britain. This project represents a long-term commitment of the Treasury to fund the changes and expansions in our Health Service for the betterment of treatment received by ordinary Britons. This year alone saw the employment of additional five thousand, nine hundred police personnel and twelve hundred firefighters. This represents a clear commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the British people, a commitment that a re-elected Conservative

government would seek to build upon further. We must also look to other areas to increase the standard of living enjoyed by the British people. The area of education is a key concern for millions of British families. Over the next five years, the area of education would see massive investment from a Conservative government. Similar plans for increased, targeted investment exist in a wide range of government departments. This year saw the Conservatives re-affirm their commitment to public transport with the phasing in of free student travel, the purchase of one hundred new trains, the employment of an additional one thousand rail staff, the construction of some two thousand additional roads and one hundred and twenty motorways. Continued investment in this area is crucial to strengthening our economy. Our commitment to the regions and our nation’s heritage must not be forgotten either. Under the Conservatives, funding will be provided for the abolition of museum entry fees. Already, these fees have been slashed by a quarter. Over three hundred and sixty million pounds has been provided for a high-speed rail link and motorway in Scotland, demonstrating our collective belief that we are the government of not just England, but the United Kingdom. Throughout this manifesto, you will see the vision for all departments of government, which exists within the Conservatives. These plans will be fully supported by the Chancellor and the entire economic team. We have already seen how successful the computerization of the NHS has been, with additional funding being supplied for the computerization of the police. We have made great strides in the last year alone to improve the standard and efficiency of frontline services over the past year. If re-elected, a Conservative government would; - Increase funding for the Home Office year on year. - Ensure that the funding required is made available to the Armed Services to ensure we remain the envy of the world. - Continue the funding of the NHS Millennium Project. - Complete the introduction of free student travel next year. - Abolish museum entrance fees within the next three years. - Continue an aggressive expansion of British Rail and the roads network in line with requests. - Ensure that the government remains focused on providing the highest levels of care to its citizens.

Employment and Inflation The fight against the twin evils of inflation and unemployment must continue unabated over the next five years. The creation of an independent Bank of England will ensure that inflation targets are met within their time frames. This is a significant step in ensuring that the volatility of inflation experienced in the past is eradicated for good. Unemployment can only be solved in one way – the expansion of private industry. The Conservatives have made it easier for the establishment of businesses in Britain. Businesses provide employment that is the central tenet of our fight against unemployment. The solution is not some quasi fusion between the government and private sector. The answer is to make it easier to do business in Britain – the more confidence, which exists in our economy, the less unemployment we will have. And, hand in hand with this belief, funding will be provided for the computerization of job centers around the country, thus making it easier for the unemployed to find vacancies for which they are uniquely suited. If re-elected, a Conservative government would; - Set the Bank of England a target rate of inflation of four per cent to be achieved over the life of

the next parliament. - Make it easier for British entrepreneurism to flourish and create more long lasting jobs in our economy. - Provide for the computerization of all job centres to cut down on frictional unemployment.[/list]

The Private Sector There can be little doubt that under the Conservatives, doing business in Britain has not only become easier, but also more desirable. In the past year alone, we have cut capital gains tax and corporation tax. We increased spending on industrial research and design by an impressive twentyfive percent so that it now tops one billion pounds for the first time in history. We increased spending on credit export guarantees to six and a half billion pounds, thus aiding our export industry. Over the past year, this government has made it easier to invest in Britain. We have made it more desirable to set up a business here. We have done away with the reams of red tape, which hampered British entrepreneurs in the past. We have sought to make Britain great once again. The Labour Party has accused us of providing breaks for our big business friends. Their inability to recognize the bigger picture and accusations, which are groundless and ridiculous, are but two reasons why a Labour government could spell disaster for our economy. We believe that when a company invests in Britain, it has huge economic consequences for the area in which it invests. Take, for example, the decision of British American Tobacco to invest in the East Midlands – the factory itself created five thousand jobs, but due to the multiplier effect, in the local region, anything up to an additional twenty-five thousand jobs will have been created. This has transformed that region into a hive of economic activity and production. Scenes like this have been replicated up and down the country. From London to Edinburgh, it is becoming more acceptable and profitable to invest in the United Kingdom. Possibly one of the biggest features of the previous eleven years has been the privatization of nationalized industries. Today there are over ten million shareholders in the United Kingdom, whereas eleven years ago there were only three point five million. We have ensured that investing in shares has become normal for British families. Our programme of privatisation is one of the main reasons why the Conservative vision of achieving a capital owning democracy of financially independent families has almost been attained. The level of change has been truly staggering. And in the future, we will ensure that the remaining nationalized industries are assessed as to their readiness for privatisation. Whereas the Labour Party believes in nationalizing the private sector and state control of the economy, the Conservatives have always believed in empowering the British people with ownership of former nationalized industries. This is a record of which the Conservatives are very proud. Whereas before, fledgling entrepreneurs would have been dissuaded by punitive tax rates and reams of red tape to establish a business, today they step boldly forward. By the time the next parliament has ended, Britain will be about to make the transition to the next millennium. A Conservative government will ensure that we are ready to face this millennium with confidence in ourselves and in our economy. If re-elected, a Conservative government would; - Continue to free the private sector of burdensome red tape and ensure lower consumer prices through market deregulation. - Assess the remaining nationalized industries with regard to future privatisation, so as to ensure that lower prices for consumers in the future can be achieved and the long term viability of the corporations in question are secured.

- Continue to make it easier to invest in Britain by continuing the legacy of easing the tax burden placed upon British industry. - Ensure that research and development funding is doubled to two billion pounds per annum at least by the end of our term in government. - Continue to increase funding year on year for credit export guarantees.

Creating New Trade We live in a smaller world today than any other time in History. Increasingly faster, more reliable and more efficient transport and communications systems have meant that the world economy is, more and more, one economy, of which national economies and regional economies are a part of. It is therefore necessary to create global, regional and national strategies if the United Kingdom is to adequately compete worldwide. To create these strategies, there has to be a common thread linking them all together, however, so they all add to each other. That common thread must be freedom. Free trade made the United Kingdom great. We kept free trade even when other countries were turning to protectionism. It has been, and will always be, in our best interest to promote a global market where our goods are more easily sold and where our economy is able to display its strengths unimpeded. We are an efficient nation at heart, which gives us a competitive edge worldwide when it comes to buying and selling goods. Our country’s competitiveness is also strengthened in an environment where freedom prevails and both businesses and consumers win. To adequately function in a free trade environment, we will promote the development of tools to give our workers the ability to compete in the global market. Our education policies will play a crucial role there, as will re-training opportunities. Through a strong voice in Europe, the Conservatives will push for free trade agreements with other trade blocks, trade agreements that will be advantageous to all, making the world economy improve, and with it the British economy. Getting rid of economic barriers will help attract investment and jobs to the United Kingdom, as well as creating more opportunities for British people to invest in. Our key position within the Commonwealth will also help us in implementing our global strategy. The United Kingdom can be the link between several regions, and this crucial role would make us an important focal point for world trade. Naturally, this global strategy alone does not take into account the specifics of regional blocks. Within the overarching structure we outlined of global free trade, and of our being the link between various trading blocks, we would work with each regional block taking into account the specifics of that block, and adjust accordingly. The United Kingdom is a member of the EEC, and it is our goal to be a leading voice within that organisation. The EEC was founded on the basic tenet of freedom, and it is our duty to make sure that tenet achieves its full fruition. The United Kingdom’s biggest trading partner is the EEC, and we must create the conditions to ensure that we can keep taking advantage our privileged position within the organisation, as it gives us a competitive advantage that creates a lot of possibilities for British business. Still in Europe, we must look at the fact that the USSR has fallen and that Eastern Europe is now taking its first steps in democratic regimes. Trading relations with these countries will be of paramount importance in helping them be successful, and it is in everyone’s interest they are. For this reason, the Conservative Party believes that the United Kingdom must take a leading role in the EEC to open up to these countries, gradually, and to establish strong and important trade relations with them as soon as possible. When it comes to our relations with the United States, which are strong and healthy, we believe

in keeping the course and to serve as the crucial link between the EEC and the United States. The promotion of stronger ties between these two great trading regions will strengthen our economy and will also ensure less bureaucracy for us to invest in the United States and to export to the United States and vice-versa. Bringing our greatest trading partners together would naturally be a win-win situation for us, given that we would be capitalising on a competitive advantage that already exists and expanding it. When it comes to a national trade strategy, we believe in less red tape and in giving our businesses the tools to be competitive. An independent Bank of England, which will promote price stability and consumer confidence, is a natural policy in this regard. We believe also in creating the conditions for business expansion as outlined below.

Key proposals: -

Strengthen Britain’s position as a focal point in world trade; Promote Britain’s position as a link between various trade regions; Expand trading relations worldwide, in particular with Eastern Europe; Create the conditions for business expansion.

Creating New Industry The Industrial Revolution can only find parallel in the Agricultural Revolution that happened thousands of years before it and was the dawn of a new age for Mankind. The effects of steamengines can still be felt worldwide, and progress has spiralled exponentially ever since the first cotton-jennies were built. Now, with the 21st Century just around the corner, the rules of the industrial game change every day, as science progresses at an extraordinary pace that we need to adapt to quickly and efficiently. The Conservatives will endeavour to create an economic environment where we can compete in the new economic areas that appear each day. This will be done with a combination of incentives adapted to the specific needs of each industrial sector, which can include tax incentives, ranging from tax cuts to deductions, or special incentives for modernisation, with packages designed to mitigate the costs of buying new machinery. The Conservatives will promote the emergence of technical and scientific businesses in our country, so that it can attain a leading role in the development of science. The measures taken to achieve this goal include a more important role for technology in schools and will be taken together with the Education Department. The Conservatives also recognise that not all businesses are the same size. Big businesses need no Governmental intervention with their affairs, they need Government to create conditions for them to thrive in. The Conservatives would also look into creating the conditions necessary for medium-sized businesses to expand, whilst also promoting small businesses and the creation of small businesses as, for example, an alternative to benefits. A person would receive the choice between finding work elsewhere and creating his or her own business, with special incentives. The Conservatives do not just look at getting something new, however. We also look at promoting what are already tried and true strengths of our economy. We will do so by giving these businesses the chance to modernize and to achieve thereby achieve their full potential. Only by coordinating our trade and industry policies in an attempt to maximise efficiency and to increase competitiveness will we take full advantage of all the benefits. The Conservatives will work towards achieving that goal. But industry does not just live of businesses, it lives also of workers and consumers. Speaking of consumers, the Conservatives feel that a truly free market is not achieved when consumers are not

protected. Consumers need information on what they intend to buy, only then do they know that that good is what they want. Therefore, we will ensure that the consumer has this information available to him or her, so he can make an informed decision. The Conservatives will also work to ensure product quality is up to standards by enforcing quality standards in place. Finally, the Conservatives feel monopolies are a form of market distortion and that there should be anti-trust legislation in place, and enforced, to prevent monopolies from emerging. Finally, the unions have a role to play on industrial affairs. A democratic structure confers upon them a legitimacy that means they cannot, and shall not, be ignored. The Conservative Party believes in listening to all opinions, and the opinions of workers will be pondered and taken into account when making decisions.

Key Proposals: -

Creating the conditions for new businesses to invest in Britain; Help improve the competitiveness of businesses already established in Britain; Give incentives for modernisation of British business; Consumer protection laws to ensure people get what they want; Listening to all when it comes to industrial relations.

Creating New Employment The Government’s role when it comes to Employment is to be a catalyst. It must work with all involved to lay the foundations for job creation. A true economic policy for any Government must not be to sit back and relax, but to roll up sleeves and do what needs to be done for businesses to thrive and jobs to be created. This does not just include secure financial and monetary policies, however. It includes talking to businesses to understand what’s missing, what can be done to help them expand, and talk to workers to know their input on the need for retraining for these new jobs, as well as on matters related to the current state of employment. For example, when it comes to workers' rights, we will be introducing a bill giving employees a holiday with a legal minimum of twenty-three days, with full pay, and that will be one of the first bills to be introduced if we come into Government. The Conservatives believe in working with Parliament, local councils, businesses and unions to develop packages to attract investment and jobs to the United Kingdom, in particular to poorer areas and areas with high levels of unemployment. A national regeneration program based on amplifying the strengths and negating the weaknesses of the United Kingdom would be put in place. The various local plans would be developed together with the local councils. Local councils that develop their own plans may also ask for a central government endorsement of those plans. Workers and businesses will be consulted to know the specific needs for that area from both sides, and Members of Parliament, regardless of party affiliation, who want to help with the development of the investment package, are welcome to do so as well. We understand that retraining will be important when creating new types of jobs in a region, so the Conservatives will, when financially advisable, make retraining costs tax deductible, at least in part. The Conservatives believe that the country and its economy come first, and that only if all involved cooperate can we create good plans that will result in good jobs for the British people.

Key Proposals: - Work with all interested parties on a national regeneration program; - Create an incentives package to attract new kinds of jobs to Britain;

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Promotion of retraining possibilities; Promote British investment and investment in Britain; Create incentives for unemployed people to create their own businesses; Ensure working conditions are up to the standards of a developed country.

Creating A New Education System Introduction British education has undergone a huge transformation over the course of the past 12 years. The Conservative Party has proceeded with the largest reforms of education since World War II, with the establishment of the National Curriculum, and a movement of power toward individual schools. Over the past twenty years or so, collective British thought has come to the conclusion that it is not simply good enough to provide an education to students- there must be standards and quality in that education. Since coming to power in 1979, the Conservative Party has made education one of its key priorities, and has dramatically improved the quality of education in our schools. Today, the Conservative Party is building upon that tradition, and over a decade’s worth of positive reform. There is still much work to be done, but it cannot be denied that education is improving in this country. More and more students are going to university, and an increasing number of 16 year olds are deciding to stay on for full-time education. The Conservative Government has had the duel challenge of improving standards while an ever increasing number of students attend our schools. To date, we have met the challenge well. But this are changing, and the world is different than the one in which many of us grew up. The end of the Cold War opens new doors, and brings new possibilities. In order for Britain to succeed in the 21st Century we must invest in education, continue to improve standards, and promote research. The Conservative Party has a record of achievement on all three counts, and can be trusted to create a true, 21st Century education system that will expand opportunity for all.

Nurseries & Schools The backbone of our education system is our primary and secondary schools. Increasing numbers of children are being enrolled in nursery school as well. The Conservative Party has instituted a number of reforms that have improved education. Now it is time to take advantage of technology, and to reform education further, so that our schools address the ever-changing nature of our world. We believe that small class sizes and high standards will lead to more individualised education and environments where children can learn. We believe that a National Inspectorate is needed to ensure schools maintain high standards and good conditions. And, we believe that a new commitment should be made to foreign language and technology education. We want to have a school system where any child can learn, and where children are taught all of the basics that they will need to be life-long learners. If given those key skills, people will be able to take advantage of these changing times. If re-elected, a Conservative government will;

- Hire 46,500 new teachers in our first budget, in order to cut class sizes and meet new target student to teacher ratios. - Hire additional teachers as necessary over our term to maintain those new targets as closely as possible. - Invest over 385 million pounds to give every secondary school in Britain a computer lab with 40 computers. - Create a National Inspectorate of Schools, much like Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Schools in Scotland, to oversee standards and school conditions. - Implement a typing component to the National Curriculum for secondary schools, so that all students leave school knowing how to type. - Implement totally free public transport for students next year. - Support after-school activities and sports, through greater government investment and publicprivate partnerships. - Create a “New Horizons” Program, which will be an effort to expand foreign language education and foreign exchanges with the rest of Europe and the World. - Improve school lunches, and ensure that they are healthful. - Continue to support grammar schools and grant-maintained schools. - Continue to build new City Technology Colleges throughout the nation, but especially in depressed neighbourhoods.

Higher Education The Conservative Party has made higher education one of its largest areas of reform, and we propose a major reform of our nation’s universities. We believe that by giving more independence to universities, they will be able to attract investment and gather resources that will expand their curricula and improve their research and scholarship. We plan on increasing education grants through a National Lottery with proceeds going to the grant fund. This will allow us to keep education an opportunity available to all. If re-elected, a Conservative government would; - Give our universities more independence over their operations. - Institute a National Lottery, who’s proceeds will go toward Education Grants. - Double Education Grant values from their current levels, by the end of our term.[/list]

Parents & Teachers The Conservative Party believes that when parents are involved in their child’s education, that child is far more likely to succeed at school. We want to provide parents with the information they need to be able to select the best school for their child, and to keep them informed of school performance. We also want to help teachers teach, by giving them planning time and better training. We will also pass a bill instituting a new teacher’s pay negotiating board, which will help to prevent strikes. If re-elected, a Conservative government would; - Create a system of school “report cards” which will detail the performance of schools, and provide them to parents before the start of classes each year. - Give teachers more time during the day for planning and class preparation, by hiring additional teachers as described previously. - Improve teacher in-service training and include in that training courses which will help teachers recognize when a student may be suffering from an emotional or drug problem.

- Get teachers more involved in the National Curriculum Council, and promote a greater degree of teaching flexibility. - Create a new Teacher’s Pay Negotiations Board.

Adult Education In order to ensure that Britain is strong economically, and that people can find employment, the Conservative Party has invested heavily in Adult Education. 2.2 billion pounds were spent in the last budget on such initiatives, and over the last several years, we have trained millions of Britons through the Employment Training programme. Britain has a great deal of adult education opportunity, especially when compared to other European nations. But more must be done, and if re-elected, a Conservative government would; - Continue to invest heavily in Adult Education Initiatives. - Make training credits available to 16 and 17 year olds. – Continue to support the Youth Training Places Scheme and Career Development Loans.

A Compassionate New Britain A Compassionate New Health Service The health of the nation continues to be a huge priority for our Party. We believe that the standard of healthcare is indicative of the government’s attitude towards its people and their welfare. It is with great pride, therefore, that we can say the Conservative government is now spending around five times on the nation’s health than when Labour left office. Those huge sums of extra money are being invested on infrastructure, new facilities and healthcare professionals up and down our Country. We are treating more patients than ever before. Due to the extra resources we have given the NHS and reforms of the system, there are now more Britons than ever in our history who receive the benefits of public healthcare. It is a credit to our dedicated healthcare professionals that this is so. The people who work in our NHS deserve a special mention of course. It was this government which introduced the independent nurses pay review body which to date has increased nurses pay by over 30% in real terms. A stark contrast to the reduction in pay which characterised the last Labour government. The task for the future is guiding the NHS towards a new era. We have described how, over the last twelve years, we have been able to vastly improve the basics of the health service; more money, more doctors and nurses, more hospitals. Now it will be the goal of a Conservative government to modernise the NHS and make it more responsive to the specific needs of each individual patient. That will be the central theme of this manifesto.

Specialist clinics to treat specific illnesses The main system by which health care is administered has not changed since the NHS’ inception. The time is now right to modernise certain aspects of this health care, for the benefit of both patient and doctor. A Conservative government would move away from the traditional all encompassing hospital and diversify into more specific clinics. These clinics would treat people with a specific type of illness, such as diabetes or conditions relating to ear nose and throat. This will serve two main purposes. First, it will mean patients receive more effective care for their specific condition. The facility and the professionals who work there will be designed and trained respectively for that specific illness. Second, it will free up time and resources for patients with general illnesses. That is one way we will reduce waiting lists.

Intermediate care centres for the elderly As anyone who works with the elderly will know, the time taken for recovery from operations and surgery is much greater than those of a younger age. Moreover, the condition of elderly patients must be closely monitored and slightly different care administered. A Conservative government would introduce intermediate care centres for elderly patients. Much the same as specialist clinics, the purpose of such facilities is to benefit both patient and carer. Due to the centres being tailored to the specific needs of elderly people, we expect the quality of care to improve. By freeing up resources in general hospitals we, again, are able to reduce waiting lists for general illnesses.

Creation of an NHS call service A Conservative government would introduce an NHS call service. The point of such a system is to allow members of the public who are suffering from a mild malady to get in touch quickly with a healthcare professional, who will give them advice. This is restructuring services around the patient. A National Health Service should be able to give people health advice when they need it as quick as possible. An NHS call service would also reduce the burden on GP’s as many minor ailments can now be dealt with over the phone.

Reduce waiting lists It is a continued aim of a prospective Conservative government to reduce waiting lists. When detailing some of the policies already outlined, we have alluded to their impact on waiting lists. This is a conscious effort to show how we can actively reduce waiting lists and increase efficiency.

The National Health and Community Care Act laid the foundations of a system based on efficiency and we expect the results to be felt over the coming years. A Conservative government would introduce all of the measures previously mentioned and continue an ambitious construction programme. All of which will reduce waiting lists. In the ten year plan for health, released during the previous Parliament, the Conservative government set a target of reducing the waiting time for Trauma and Orthopaedic treatments by 15% and those waiting for general surgery by 10% by the end of the decade.

Increase the numbers of nurses and doctors As explained in the opening statement, the Conservative government has already recruited close to 100,000 new doctors and nurses. Yet in the latest budget we still provided more than 1000 new doctors and nurses. This exemplifies our continued commitment to increasing the number of healthcare professionals. We feel it is necessary and integral to the continued success of our NHS. A Conservative government would increase the number of doctors and nurses, already at high levels, consistently over our term of office. Outlined above are our main policies for a prospective Conservative government. There are, of course, policies which we will also be pursuing. We will continue our efforts to reduce illness and disease where they can be prevented By encouraging and promoting the take up of flu vaccinations amongst elderly people we ensure that this potentially fatal illness does not become commonplace amongst the elderly. By expanding and improving the availability of cancer screening we have been able to reduce deaths by 10%. By introducing wide-ranging health education programmes we have been able to bring the younger generations’ attention to diseases which can be prevented, particularly sexually transmitted diseases. Our key commitments to you: -

We will set up specialist clinics We will set up intermediate care centres for the elderly We will create an NHS call-service We will start a new drive on further reducing waiting lists We will consistently increase the number of doctors and nurses – We will have a renewed focus on preventing diseases

The Conservative government has made great strides on improving the NHS. We have made the NHS a focus of our efforts. We now need to make great strides on modernising the NHS. Now, more than ever, we need to ready the NHS for the challenges of a new century, the challenges of the modern world. The Conservative party is ready to take on those challenges.

A Compassionate New Social Security The Social Security system is vital for the wellbeing of the British people, and of ensuring equality in Britain. The Conservative Party realises that this system not only needs money to keep on serving the British people, but it also needs reform. The Conservative Party will always be committed to an efficient Social Security system that serves the poor and needy efficiently and helps instil the values of hard work and equality. The Conservative Part wishes to see reform in several areas of the Social Security system to help get people into work, reduce poverty and offer assistance to the old and the disabled. This manifesto for Social Security will set out these comprehensive reforms simply and plainly.

Unemployment Benefit At the present time, unemployment is too high. The Conservative Party recognises this, and we wish to improve on this drastically. As part of this, we also recognise that a high unemployment rate is not only due to a lack of jobs being produced, but the difficulty for many of getting back into the labour market. The Conservative party proposes several reforms to change this; - A new system of benefits. There will be a basic benefit paying the normal amount until 6 months after claiming, at which point the benefit will decrease by half. - To increase benefits back to the normal level, the claimant would have to participate in constructive activities such as help with interviews and help with compiling a CV; or they could enrol in a certified adult education scheme - There would also be a third choice; A claimant would be able to submit a business plan to the government, and plan to start their own business. The government would provide a start-up loan that does not need to be repaid until the company starts making a profit. The Conservative Party would also plan to negotiate with business schools to offer simple courses in business management and simple accounting to help those planning to set up a business. - To avoid abuse of the unemployment benefit, the Conservative Party will impose limits on certain aspects of claiming. These would include a limit on the length of consecutive claiming, and also a limit on ability to claim for those with large savings.

Disability Benefits The Conservative Party is always committed to assisting the disabled, and we strongly believe that it is the responsibility of government to do all it can to ameliorate their situation and allow those with severe disability to lead normal lives. As part of this, we wish to introduce a new supplementary benefit to give extra money to those who have been declared immobile by a doctor. We recognise that immobility is a severe hindrance to many that need not be so, and so we hope that such a benefit will allow these people to lead an easier life. We also wish to cut down on fraud in claiming sick benefit, to free up money for those who truly need it. With a programme to reduce unemployment rolls, we believe that fraud on this benefit could become an increasing problem, and so we are committed to make sure that this does not happen. The Conservative Party, in keeping with it’s policy to get as many people into work as possible, wishes to introduce new legislation that will give government help to those on disability benefit in finding employment. We do not think that disability should be an obstruction to finding work, and are committed to finding innovative ways to allow the disabled to participate in the workplace, and we believe that there should be clear incentives for people to do so.

Pensions The Conservative Party believes that pension reform is an important priority for any government. The current system will come under increasing strain in the coming years as the number of people of 65 grows and life expectancy keeps increasing. This reform would make for the same security in old age, but would also allow more choice in pension contributions and investment, and allow those who wanted it more responsibility in saving for retirement. The Conservative Party has three long term goals for the pensions system: - A system of individual accounts kept for a lifetime in which contributions and benefits could be deposited. These accounts would be similar tax-free saving accounts, but which could not be claimed from until pension age. - More choice over contributions; The Conservative Party believes that there should be a mandatory minimum contribution to the state pension as dictated by National Insurance contributions, but that also people should be allowed to contribute larger amounts up to a certain level. - More choice over how a pension is invested. We believe that if a person does not want the government to manage their investments and contributions, then they should be able to do so themselves or choose for their employer to manage this. We recognise the ability for manipulation by employers, so these plans would include stringent protections on pensions, and would require employers to guarantee to deal ethically with the money. - We would increase pensions by the rate of inflation in the first two years of our Government We recognise that some of these plans could provide a disadvantage to those with least to contribute during their working life. The Conservative Party believes that it should be the job of government to provide a minimum amount, regardless of what people have saved, to ensure that the poorest do not loose out. We know that all this cannot be achieved over one parliamentary term, and so we feel this should be looked upon as a much longer term plan for pensions, which we also feel would require consensus from parliament and people.

Family and Child Benefits The Conservative Party believes that these are some of the most important benefits of all for society. These benefits are designed to make sure that all children get a fair start in life, and the Conservative Party believes this is of the utmost importance for future generations of Britons. Our commitment, first and foremost, is to reduce the number of families who cannot afford essentials such as food and clothing for their children. We believe that this can be achieved not only by increasing payments, but by combining income support and child benefits into one payment, which would be indexed to income and also number of children. The idea of this would be that it would allow the government to make sure that each and every child could be accounted for, and that the government could make sure that through a combination of benefits and their own family’s income, they would enjoy a standard of living we find acceptable. This also would allow for a simpler regime that would ensure the maximum amount of money is claimed by those who need it, and that people are not put off by complexity of claims. We believe that working parents need to be given extra help with the financial burden of raising children, and so we propose an extra benefit, claimable either by one or both parents, depending upon who works; A working parent benefit. This benefit would be designed to allow extra money for things needed by working parents such as childcare, transport or after-school clubs for children. This benefit would be targeted at families earning the least, and so would be claimable

only by those earning less than a certain amount.

A Proud New Britain Proud of Housing The right-to-buy scheme introduced by the Conservative government in Housing Act 1980 was a dramatic step to improve the chance of the British people to actually own the apartment they live in. The number of Britons who own their own apartment has grown by four million after 1980 when the Housing Act 1980 was passed. In addition to 1.4 million former council house tenants now own their former council house apartment. The right-to-buy scheme has quickly proved out to be massive success which prompted Labour to drop their opposition to the scheme once it proved out to be so popular. The right to own a apartment is one of the most important factors of a free society. We should all be allowed to choose where and how we wish to live. We wish the wealth, ownership and security to pass from generation to generation. We have to rise to the challenge to ensure that all citizens of Britain will have a decent apartment which they can proudly call home. Due to divorces, population growth and even higher number of people moving to live in the South East, our country is facing a housing crisis within the next 20-30 years. We cannot wait longer and we must act swiftly to prevent the housing crisis. The Conservative party has plans to promote alternative forms of housing as a solution to tackle the problem. We have also laid plans to build more council houses to avoid the housing crisis. The Conservative party is aware of the fact that some members of our society do not possess the wealth which will allow them to buy their own apartment from the private market. This is exactly the reason why we have come up with a plan to build alternative forms of housing to provide a gateway to home ownership for the British people.

Right-of-occupancy: Is another alternative to purchasing a property. First the individual will pay 15-30% of the value of the property and a charge for use, which is basically the same as paying rent for the property. The applicants will obtain right-of-occupancy accommodation based on their position on the waiting list. Right-of-occupancy will be a safe form of accommodation, as the tenants can live in the property for as long as they want to. It is also possible to move from one right-of-occupancy house to another. The government will issue rent controls on these apartments to ensure that the rent paid for the property will be lower than the rent of apartments on the private market. If the tenant choose to move away from the Right-of-occupancy apartment, the tenant will get back the money invested to buy the share of the apartment.

Part-ownership: To begin with, the occupant only pays a portion of the purchase price of the property. They therefore only own a portion of the property in the beginning and the constructor owns the majority. The occupant pays a rent for the property and it is possible for them to purchase the rest of the property at a later date.

Owner occupied apartments built on land borrowed by the state: The purpose of these apartments is to give chance to the poorer people of our society to own their own apartment. Once the houses are built, the apartments are sold to buyers and highest price will be set by the government on each apartment. The price of the apartments will be based on the construction costs and selling the house and the price will be based on the price index based on the market index. The British state will rent the land.

Social Housing: The Conservative party will continue to extend the Right-to-Buy Scheme and we will promise to give a cut on the dwelling tax to every household which will buy their council house. We will construct additional council houses to ensure that the need of social housing can be met and the shortage of houses will be first reduced and eventually eliminated. The Conservative government would research the possibility of bringing to use the residential and other properties owned by the central and local government which stand idle. These properties could be either altered to residential estates and sold or leased to those in housing need. We will also allow the councils to spend substantial percentage of the money gained from the right-to-buy scheme in order to construct more council houses to meet the demand for them. The Conservative party will continue to provide funds to improve and repair the housing estates which are in bad shape and in some cases not fit to live in. On the smaller scale, the Conservative party will empower the local councils to provide compensation for those council house tenants who use their own funds to purchase equipment and materials in order to repair and improve the council house apartment they live in.

Proud of our Transport Under the Conservative party, transportation in Britain has been transformed and the efficiency and services have improved significantly. More competition on the road and in the air has led to better services and to more customer choice. The successful policies of deregulation and privatisation have opened doors for more investment and improvement on transportation infrastructure in Britain. Over 1000 miles of new roads and motorways have been built, more than 100 bypasses have been constructed and more than 750 miles of railways have been electrified. Since the privatisation of British Airways, the number of flights have been increased by 50%. Travelling within Britain and away from Britain has become easier than ever before.

Railways: Railways are a important part of the public transportation and numerous British citizens use the railways each day to commute between home and work. The growing transportation needs mean that further investment on the railways is needed. Even the more remote parts of our country can be made more attractive to live in if transportation to growth centers, with most of the available employment, can be improved. High speed trains and train network will play important role in the plan to avoid any part of our country to become overcrowded and provide quick, safe and enjoyable transportation. The Conservative government would consider of giving discount on the ticket prices to pensioners, students and parents who have children under seven years old and who use public transportation.

Roads: Nine out of ten journeys are made by road. It is therefore important to ensure that the road network of Britain is up to date to match the needs of the modern world. The road network has been expanded under the Conservatives significantly. We will continue the plan to expand the road network whenever needed and ensure that road maintenance is done at time and efficiency to make sure road safety will not be compromised. Despite growing traffic on the British roads, the road accidents and deaths have decreased and we must work to further improve the road safety. We will increase the penalties on the persons convicted of drunk driving or dangerous driving. The British roads must be safe to the law abiding citizens who drive safely. We will install cameras at dangerous road junctions and at highways to film those who drive dangerously and over speed. The Conservative government will give tax incentives to car companies which construct more environment friendly cars and engines. We will also reduce the tax on motor vehicles which are environment friendly and pollute less. We will make it compulsory to install catalytic converters to every new car after 1992. These policies will be important in our attempt to reduce CO2 emissions which are harmful for the environment and our citizens.

Consolidation of all shoreline holdings in trust or municipal trust, including Oil Terminals, Harbours, Container Ports, Ferry Ports and Marinas. In consultation with the departments of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Energy, Trade, Industry and Employment, it has been decided that this sector of the economy must be consolidated to allow for greater movement of trade and people across our borders. Many harbours lie derelict and abandoned because of lack of investment. Some ports have Royal charters dating back many hundreds of years, in some cases making them obsolete. The Conservative Party plans to totally reinvigorate this sector of the economy. We will do this in a ordered manner so as not to upset the day to day running of shipping to and from the British isles. The first stage will entail all Container Ports handling more than 100,000 tonnes per annum will be combined into a single Ports Authority. The Following Ports would be in the first wave: Clydeport, Dundee, Forth, Ipswich, Sheerness, Teesport, Tilbury and a further 150 other medium sized ports. Then in 1993 we will turn our attention to the oil terminals. At the moment they are governed by the Fishery Harbours Act 1915 - this is a waste of management resources and must be rectified. Upon consolidation they shall be put under the control of the Energy department. The four terminals are Sullum Voe, Flotta, Tranmere and Canvey Island, along with all their holdings and estates. All other terminals in the United Kingdom are privately owned. The Conservative Party recognises the strain on fishermen at this time. The aim of Government is to make sectors of industry “Market Proof”. We have identified a total of six hundred fishing ports and harbours with Royal charters and privileges. In some cases around Devon and Cornwall this has created a problem with the amount of ships allowed out of the quay in one day. In consultation with AFF and the local fishing communities shall, if needed, consolidate the following fishing harbours in the first wave: Ayr, Barrow, Barry, Cardiff, Fleetwood, Garston, Goole, Grimsby, Hull, Immingham, Ipswich, Kings Lynn, Lowesoft, Newport, Newquay, Port Talbot, Silloth, Swansea, Teignmouth and Troon. It must be made clear that if it is not in the local

communities best interest to have their harbour consolidated, then it will not happen. All these measures are designed to streamline this area of industry. The pleasure craft marinas, in trust from the government and municipally run, will also be consolidated. This will allow tighter border controls in an ever-changing world. This Conservative Party government have, at this time noted a further 2000 shoreline holdings and estates that need to be given the chance to innovate and expand to compete in the global and domestic markets. With the beginning of the consolidation process the founding of a Ports and Harbours inspectorate will need to be introduced. This system of checks and balances will keep this project from failing. The Conservative Party is a proactive Party, the introduction of these measures and projects will ensure the future of thousands of fishermen, dockers, slingers, fishmongers, shopkeepers, ships pilots, crane operators and the many thousands of other people of this nation who work on or by the sea. Once this project is underway it will take a further six years to complete. Make no mistake this is the single largest overhaul of the maritime sector since the second world war. As the Party of government, we will increase our transport infrastructure to new and exciting levels, to enable further penetration of all global markets and to allow us to buy cheaper commercial goods.

Improved freight rail to and from Port terminals: It will become imperative to upgrade all port rail lines to decrease the time it takes for food to reach the shops from the fields of Europe and vice versus. In some cases this “Ports” project will allow the building of new freight lines. This whole endeavour will make the Fishing sector, along with oil and container shipping “Market Proof”. The knock-on effect will be the lowering of the price of living in the United Kingdom with food, fuel and consumer products all across the spectrum coming down in price. Only the Conservative Party truly understand the needs of the British people.

Proud of our Fishing, Agriculture and Food We, the Conservative Party, will continue to look at and improve the time it takes food to reach the shop floor from the farms of Britain and Europe. This will help bring down the price of food. To do this we shall: -

Improve maritime facilities for imported goods. Move toward Consolidation of Ports and Harbours to reduce administration costs. Upgrade existing freight rail connections from our container ports. Build new freight rail connections where needed, to help cope with the new Maritime services.

Our Fisheries policy will remain one of a vigilant nature. The Fisheries Aid package will be a foundation of reform for the whole sector. With this basis we will continue to work with our global trading partners to make sure that the fishermen of this country remain competitive in a free market.

The following initiatives will be introduced: - The fishermen will be involved in lengthy consultation over the improvements to the Ports and Harbours. - We will strive to protect our sovereign waters from rogue fishermen. - Countries that have no fishing quota agreements will be brought to the negotiating table. - The removal of “Dutch auctions” from the industry. The farming sector could be construed as the industry under the most pressure from European change at this time. As Conservatives, we intend to reform the whole sector to make it “market proof”. We will: - Set up EEC funding, and with the negotiated European rebate we will introduce support payments linked to leaving farm land fallow and not tied to production (as in the rest of Europe). - Re-zone former vineyards to allow greater hop production in the south of England. - Set upper limits on quota of sugar cane imports from outside the EEC. This measure will allow our farmers to compete in the domestic market again. - Start a program of decentralisation to relieve the burden on fresh water supplies. - Introduce a livestock assurance licence to ensure the quality of indigenous grazing animals. - Create a new set of incentives for the fruit growers of Britain. They will also receive support payments linked to land size and not production, this will allow them to compete on the world and domestic markets. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food covers a range of areas within the British economy. Only the Conservative Party truly understand the needs of the farmers, fishermen and shopkeepers of this country.

Proud of our National Heritage Public interest and involvement in Britain's heritage has never been greater. Under the Conservative Government we have created in the past decade English Heritage and the National Heritage Memorial Fund to give greater focus and drive to the Government's policies. The National Trust and private owners take a leading part in preserving our almost unrivalled heritage. The Conservative Party will continue to work in partnership with relevant organisations to secure our heritage for the benefit of future generations. We have taken great strides as a Government to ensure not only that we secure our heritage for future generations, but that we make it accessible to everyone, no matter where they are from or their income. This is why we have vowed to eliminate museum fees over the course of four years. We have already lowered them by 25%, and we shall eliminate them within three years to ensure that access to our culture, our history and our heritage is open to everyone. We want to preserve the character of our old town and city centres. Each town and city has a different character and these need preserving, we will encourage councils to make sure that any new developments are in character with the past. We will encourage councils to maintain buildings of importance to the character of towns and cities; to ensure that open spaces are kept and cherished; and that our towns and cities are greener and more attractive. - We will continue to provide substantial financial assistance for the preservation, maintenance and

acquisition of items of outstanding merit which might otherwise be lost to the nation. - Together with the heritage agencies, we will work to make heritage sites accessible to the public. - We will eliminate entrance fees to the museums of our country to ensure access to every Briton.

Sport

Sport improves the health of our nation and contributes to both our general health and wellbeing. It can be source of national pride as well as a way for the nation to unite together. Taking part in sport leads to many positive benefits, from improving both your physical and mental health, to making friends, from increase your life skills to being a source of pride for yourself. This is why we are committed to increasing participation in sport in this country due to all the positive benefits that it brings. The Conservatives will continue to encourage private sector sponsorship of sport; this allows increased participation and significant benefits to our communities. We will encourage more effective use of local sport and leisure facilities through competitive tendering. We want to see schools given more freedom in their management of their facilities, allowing them to have dual use of playing fields and halls. We are asking Local Education Authorities to stop selling school playing fields unless there is absolutely no evidence that the playing fields are in need or used. The long term benefit of a playing field must come before the short term financial gain of selling it off. Increasing participation in sport amongst our children is vital to their development into responsible and balanced adults. This is why under the National Curriculum all primary and secondary age pupils will follow a course of PE. Physical exercise and sport boosts concentration in the classroom, as well as fostering mental and physical development. - All primary and secondary age pupils following a course of PE, improving our children’s health. - Continuing to encourage private sector sponsorship of sport in order to boost participation and development. - Stopping the selling of school playing fields that needed.

Culture and The Arts Britain has always had high quality arts, throughout the nation and our international reputation in the arts has never been higher. Attendances at theatres, concerts, cinemas and historic houses have all risen significantly since 1979, this combined with increased number of tourists who flock to this country to take in our culture and the high quality of our arts has made Britain a very special place to visit. We will work with relevant organisations to decide upon and commission a statue of an important British figure to be placed on the fourth plinth at Trafalgar Square. We will continue to make measures to increase our cultural awareness and increase the opportunities available to celebrate, learn about and respect our history, heritage and culture. This is why the Conservatives would introduce an act within the first year after the election to reorganise the Bank Holidays taking place in the country to help to celebrate British culture and honour our heritage. We will move the May 1st Bank Holiday to a new date which will be October 21st so that it coincides with Trafalgar Day. The Battle of Trafalgar was one of the key dates in our history, ensuring British independence and dominance of the oceans for generations to come, allowing our culture and heritage to continue and our status as an independent nation untouched. Horatio Nelson, who died at the Battle of Trafalgar, is an immensely respected figure in British history and a great naval strategist. Trafalgar Day shall be a Bank Holiday to celebrate our culture, our history and our traditions, as well as honouring our military veterans.

- We will reorganise the Bank Holidays and make Trafalgar Day a celebration of British culture and history. - We will make it a major objective to ensure that excellence in the arts is available in all parts of the country. One of our goals is to establish a permanent statue on the fourth plinth at Trafalgar Square. - We will continue our support of libraries as educational, cultural and community centres, and urge local authorities to keep up standards.

Broadcasting We have always championed choice and increasing the amount of choice available to the British people, this is why we are proud of our record of opening up broadcasting and encouraging producers while continuing to maintain a high standard. We opened the way to the setting-up of Channel 4, independent radio, satellite television and multi-channel cable TV networks. This has significantly increased the choice, variety and quality of programming available to the people of Britain. In addition to this the 1990 Broadcasting Act will see a fifth television channel set up during the next Parliament, as well as three new independent radio stations. We maintain a commitment to choice and competition in broadcasting. The BBC’s charter comes up for renewal in 1996. We continue to support the work the BBC carries out and what it has achieved in the field of broadcasting, we will review what functions it carries out and where it should concentrate its programming on but we will maintain both the quality and wide variety of programmes that the BBC offers the nation. We will continue to support independent television producers throughout the nation in their efforts to offer alternative programmes which offers greater opportunities and choice to British viewers. A thriving market for television programmes creates competition in that field that increases both the variety and quality of programming. We are proud of the important work that is carried out by the Broadcasting Standards Council; which was set up in the 1990 Act. Maintaining standards of taste and decency in programming, particularly in the treatment of sex, violence and bad language has been an important goal of ours and all television and radio companies accept the need to maintain these standards. - We will continue to support the work of the BBC and its current status. - We will maintain high standards in broadcasting the Broadcasting Standards Council we established. - We will continue to diversify and offer choice in broadcasting to the British public to ensure there are programmes that cater to a variety of opinion and preferences.

Proud of our Environment The Conservative party is committed to protect the environment and nature. The well-being of our nature is very important for the well-being of our citizens and we will take action locally and nationally to preserve and protect our environment. Nothing in this world comes without a cost and environment protection can sometimes cause significant financial costs on businesses, consumers and ordinary taxpayers. We must be sure that the action we take, is based on real facts and will be successful. The depleting ozone layer is a problem which we all face. The Conservative government will take action to get rid of all the substances which damage the ozone layer. The depletion of the ozone layer will directly affect the health of British citizens and action will be taken to prevent this

health risk. Another matter which will concern not only Britain, but the whole world, is global warming caused by the CO2 emissions. Britain must along with other leading industrial nations come up with a plan to stabilise the CO2 emissions and ensure that we can reduce the emissions within a certain time. We are all responsible of leaving a world to our children which is viable. We will increase greenfield sites, national parks and national reserve. Britain has some of the most beautiful countryside and nature in Europe and we must preserve the beauty of our country.

Proud of our Energy Britain is at a turning point in terms of its energy prospects. This Conservative Party’s energy polices have one aim, the safety and security of Britain’s energy supplies. We have a lot of things still to do; we have plans, along with the Department of the Environment, to form and negotiate an international treaty on Carbon Emission reductions, rapidly reducing the irreversible damage that causes Climate Change. The future of the coal industry depends crucially on the competitiveness of coal as a fuel for electricity generation. British Coal has made enormous progress in increasing productivity since the end of the 1985 strike - but there is still further to go. We will support the efforts of British Coal and its workforce to improve the industry's performance saying this though the long-term future of the industry lies in the private sector. We have, and will continue to invest in clean coal technology to safeguard our environment for the future. The Conservatives will continue to look into making our coal power stations cleaner and will continue important research into making them replaceable as cleaner providers of energy. North Sea oil and gas are enjoying a record expansion thanks to our policies of deregulation and low taxation, we will continue to remains elf sufficient in supplying our own energy needs and will not rely on unstable states for our gas and energy supplies, thus ensuring a safe future for a fully working Britain. ’. Our Key commitments to you: - We will continue to work with British Coal so that it can continue to prosper and allow its employees to have a stake in their workplace, allowing a secure energy sector for Britons. British Coal should be allowed the opportunity to prosper under fresh investment from the public sector. We will consult with the Coal Industry for the best course of management in the ever changing world. - My department will review the future of the nuclear industry in 1994. It is clear that our fossil fuels are at low levels and a suitable source of energy is found. Therefore, this government is committed to increasing the Nuclear energy sector, which will lower emissions and secure Britain’s energy needs for another generation. All British Government holdings will be correctly utilised in order to help maintain clean energy. The proper management of these power stations is imperative and as such, a new Atomic Energy Board Creation Bill will be presented to parliament allowing a new management board to be set up to control our waste and station management, this will also allow the resources of our energy to be managed properly, allowing public confidence to be secured in the government and this new type of energy source. - It is the policy of this government that all peoples of Britain are entitled to safe and secure living, therefore we will offer low-income and socially dependant families grants to install energy saving boilers and energy saving measures in their homes. Payments will be paid to local

authorities and will be presented to households depending on Social indicators. What is clear is that our elderly communities and households must take top priority in this drive. There will then be a chance for the households to have boilers and central heating installed in their houses for a lower price, the people of this country work hard and play by the rules, so they should have secure and decent living standards in all of Britain’s homes. - We will continue to invest in renewable energy projects and fluid research in this area, this includes Britain’s transport and buildings. Inspiration and responsibility should be shown from the top, and as such, all of Britain’s public buildings, like the Palace of Westminster and the Energy Department will be assessed for possible energy saving measures, like solar panels and modern insulation so that all of our energy is not wasted. The government will work closely with Britain’s car manufacturers to conduct research into low emission cars and new fuel technology. All of this along with the rest of our commitments will ensure Britain is a safe, secure and clean place to work and live for all Britain’s.

A New United Britain A United Government Local Government: Since 1979 the Conservative party has strived to create a local government which can meet the demands and provide quality services at a price which the local people can afford to pay. The Conservative party will give more powers to the local government on local issues to ensure that all important matters can be addressed. We will reduce all unnecessary bureaucracy to speed up the decision making and improve the services. We will work together with the local government on national regeneration plans which aim to revive the troubled neighbourhoods. We will help the local government to get much needed investment from British and foreign investors who wish to invest on local planning and development. The most important step taken by the Conservative party recently was the replacement of Community tax with the Dwelling duty. The Conservative government will continue to monitor the performance of the tax and if necessary make adjustments to ensure the optimal working.

British Cities: The British people are rightly proud of the cities we have in our country. The culture, buildings and services of our cities continue to attract foreign and domestic tourists each year. Historic buildings and sites have been repaired and restored and we will continue to provide funds to preserve the proud achievements of the British culture. The National regeneration plan will be directed to improve the inner cities quite as much as it is directed to the rural areas of our country. We will get vacant land owned by the government back to use. Our new housing schemes will make sure that housing shortage of the inner cities can be reduced. We will provide funds to social programs and spaces to ensure that the youth of the cities have enough chance for recreational activity which will keep them away from trouble.

A United Northern Ireland The Conservatives have always believe in the importance of the Union. We are not an English nationalist party, we are a British nationalist party. The United Kingdom is composed of four separate entities, each with their own history, society and people. These four entities find strength together through the Union. Northern Ireland has always been an integral part of this Union, in accordance with the wishes of the majority of its population. The majority of the people of Northern Ireland have expressed a desire to remain within the Union - this is something that the Conservative Party respects and endeavours to uphold. We have one strong and overriding objective for the province of Northern Ireland - the final elimination of terrorism in all its forms and guises. To achieve this aim, we realise that the intensive security measures implemented by this government and the previous Conservative government must continue. The security services of Northern Ireland perform an extremely thankless job. We will support the RUC as it continues to ruthlessly root out terrorism on both sides of the sectarian divide. We will aid their fight by introducing legislation to undercut the funding of terrorist cells. Progress is also required on the economic front. The changes which have swept across Britain over the past eleven years have had an effect on Northern Ireland, but more needs to be done. We need to redouble our efforts to attract increased investment in Northern Ireland and make it attractive for businesses to locate there. To ensure that the young people have an alternative path to the path of sectarian hatred, we must provided incentives for businesses, we must encourage adult education within the province and ensure that it becomes worthwhile to invest in Northern Ireland. If we can ensure all these steps are taken, the outlook for Northern Ireland will be radically altered as unemployment falls and the bitter sectarian divide of the 20th century draws to a close, so as to allow the people of Northern Ireland live lives of prosperity and peace. To ensure that the sectarian hatred, which has blighted Northern Ireland for far too long, is made a thing of the past, we must continue to liaise and communicate with all social, cultural and religious groups in the province. It is only by understanding the nature of each faction that all sides can accept one another. With this in mind, a Conservative would encourage and support cross community dialogue in whatever forms it might take. We must also build upon the close ties which have been formed with the government of the Republic of Ireland. Under the Anglo-Irish Agreement, our two nations have co-operated closely on security matters. This has greatly increased the United Kingdom's ability to fight terrorism. Both nations must stand firm against the evil injustice of terrorism. If re-elected, a Conservative government would; - Continue to support our security services in whatever way possible, as they uphold and enforce the law. - Build upon and further strengthen security co-operation with the Irish Republic, as per the Anglo Irish Agreement. - Continue to work for an agreement which will bring about lasting peace to Northern Ireland. We must continue to engage with the peaceful political parties of the province and the government of the Republic of Ireland to ensure political progress within the province. - Ensure a programme of extensive economic regeneration is launched which will see Northern Ireland become a major recipient of private foreign investment.

A United Scotland Scotland has benefited from the years of Conservative government. From having an economy in crisis in 1979, over the past 12 years Scotland has become a far more prosperous place. More Scots than ever before own their own houses, cars and other household appliances. Ordinary people, thanks to Conservative policies, are now saving, investing and becoming participants in our economy through buying shares. Our economic policies have encouraged a flowering of enterprise in Scotland, regenerating the nation after the years of chronic inflation and punitive taxation under Labour. The Conservative Party has much to be proud of in Scotland. And our plans for Scotland over the next five years will build upon our achievements, bringing prosperity, progress and security to the ordinary people of Scotland and Britain as a whole. We will safeguard Scottish heritage and those unique institutions that make Scotland such a distinctive place. Join with us, and together we can build a better Scotland, one where our children can grow up in an environment that is the envy of the world. Now, more than ever, the people of Scotland need a Conservative Government to safeguard their prosperity. The first priority of a re-elected Conservative Government will be to safeguard Scottish prosperity and the high standard of living to which most Scots have become accustomed to. We will continue to develop Scottish strategies to continue to grow the Scottish economy, in conjunction with the policies of the Department of Trade and Industry and HM Treasury. At the forefront of our policies will be to improve transport links, both within Scotland and those connecting Scotland to the rest of the United Kingdom. That is why this Conservative Government has allocated funding for a motorway link between Prestwick Airport and the M74, as well as a high speed railway link between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Through a better transport system comes a better economy. The infrastructure system of Scotland is vital to bringing the disparate parts of the nation together, for the benefit of all. That is why the Conservative Party pledges to continue the good work, and stay the course. We will continue to invest in Scotland’s infrastructure and transport system, by looking at reopening railway lines where suitable, benefiting local economies and reaching out to rural parts of the country. We will continue to improve A re-elected Conservative Government will also work to bring business rates in Scotland back in line with those in the rest of the UK. Scotland needs new investment to build a new, dynamic economy, based upon the solid foundations built during the years of Conservative Government. Through a reduction in business rates, Scotland will no longer be at a competitive disadvantage compared to the rest of the United Kingdom. This will be a significant step in our campaign to make Scotland an attractive place for businesses and companies to set up shop, start up and create new jobs. A modern, inventive economy is what Scotland needs to ensure her continued prosperity, and it will be the Conservative Party that provides that. It is one of the anomalies of modern Britain that Scottish banknotes are not legal tender throughout the rest of the UK. British citizens, going about their lawful business, can be refused service at a shop or retail outlet due to paying in Scottish banknotes. The Conservative Party is determined to end this oddity. We will, should the British people return us to government, introduce a bill into Parliament to make Scottish banknotes legal tender throughout the entire United Kingdom, and ensure that goods bought elsewhere in Britain can be paid for with notes produced by Scottish banks. Scotland has a proud history, and a very distinctive culture. That is, for so many people both in Britain and around the world, the defining aspect of Scotland. The Conservative Party will strengthen appreciation of Scottish history and Scottish culture by taking steps towards giving all Scottish schools the provisions and resources to teach the great history of Scotland and its place in Britain to schoolchildren of all ages, from those starting primary school to 6th Years about to

leave for further education or jobs in the wider world. We will encourage greater public knowledge of Scottish history and culture by providing greater funds to such bodies as Historic Scotland and the National Trust. To encourage visitors to come to Scotland and gain a deeper understanding of what it has to offer, we will provide a variety of possible incentives, including tax discounts and start up grants to businesses offering services for tourists. There is a grave threat facing Scotland’s continued membership of the United Kingdom, with all the attendant benefits that brings. And that is Nationalism. Scotland has been through a great deal with our English, Welsh and Northern Irish partners. We are all equal members of one entity, the United Kingdom. We have fought, shared the fruits of our economy, and built the British Empire, all together. Not one constituent nation of the Union could have managed those great feats by itself. Yet, despite the great economic benefits derived from being part of the United Kingdom, despite the ties of history binding us together, despite the cultural links between the nations of Great Britain, there is a movement in Scotland today to separate ourselves from the rest of the Union. The Conservative and Unionist Party will stand up for the Union. We will not endorse separatism, nor will we endorse devolution, which is a step to a separate Scottish state. The Conservatives are a patriotic Scottish Party. We want what is best for Scotland, and that is why we commit ourselves to upholding the United Kingdom full-heartedly.

A United Wales The Conservative Party believes that Wales is an area with a distinct culture that needs to be preserved. We believe that Welsh is a valuable language with a proud history, one that every Welshman should have the opportunity to learn and study. That is why we have introduced the Welsh Language Act. This act gives the people of Wales the right to be tried in their native language and it gives them the right to be helped in their native tongue by governmental bodies. It also set up the Bwrdd yr Iaith Gymraeg, the Welsh Language Board, which will promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language. Under the Conservatives, Welsh children have been given the right to learn Welsh at school. We value Welsh culture, and we have a record to prove it. If re-elected, we will focus on the economic development of Wales. During the economic transition of Britain, Wales has not always been able to keep up with this fast pace. It is time that the Welsh people get to reap the benefits of our economic expansion. That is why our National Regeneration Program will aim to attract more investment to Wales, which will in turn create more jobs. A growing local economy is the way to prosperity in Wales, and it is what we will fight diligently for. We will focus in particular on rejuvenating Wales roads and transport. We will invest heavily in road improvements, examining the need for a second crossing over the Severn. Wales, as well as the rest of Britain, will profit from our bold plans in Health and Education. Next year, we will be hiring 46,000 new teachers, of which a healthy part will be working in Wales. The children of Wales deserve the best education they can possibly get, and the Conservative Party promises to deliver. We will examine the need for new hospitals and clinics in Wales, and we will build as many as we need to ensure the high standard of our NHS in Wales.

The Conservative Party believes Wales is an integral and valuable part of the United Kingdom. We believe Wales has a significant and distinct culture that needs to be cherished. We see a host of opportunities in the future for the economy of Wales. If reelected, we will build a New Wales.

A New Britain We humbly ask for the opportunity to build on the work we have done. We ask you to choose for a New Britain, a Britain that will be prepared to enter a new century and ready to take on the challenges of the modern world. This will not be an easy task. But we are ambitious and aim high – in true British spirit. This manifesto signifies a direction for Britain to take. It signifies the way forward for Britain. We ask you to think about the future when you cast your vote this election. Vote for a party that has a clear and ambitious vision for Britain. Vote for your future. Now, more than ever, vote for a New Britain. For the Conservative Party.