Spectator's Notebook
It was because the hon. Gentleman made exactly that type of speech when he was recently on the Continent that our difficulties have been greater than they should have been.'
A few moments later Mr. Ridley managed to catch the Speaker's eye again, with the following result : Mr. Ridley : Is the First Secretary aware that I have made no speeches on the Continent on economic subjects since the election? Therefore, will he withdraw the statement he made about me earlier?
Hon. Members: Withdraw!
Mr. Brown: The phrase, 'It is not British but it is good business,' is now being rewritten the other way round.
Mr. Ridley is an able young Member of Par- liament, but would be the last to claim that sterling goes up or 'down in sympathy with his speeches. Especially those he didn't make. If one is prepared to give the benefit of the doubt to Mr. George Brown (and I am), then the only possible explanation can be that he failed to hear Mr. Ridley's disclaimer, and simply fired off his prepared jest. If so, he will, of course, make amends in this particular case. And perhaps we could have less of this general nonsense?
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