A 30-minute news programme, hosted by Richard Whiteley and Geoff Druett. The first segment covers current events in China and Hong Kong, and the fall in stock markets. Sir Peter Tapsell MP features here in an interview on his thoughts, and experiences at Tiananmen Square. European Election polls have closed and results are pending; the second segment discussed the potential split between Chancellor Nigel Lawson’s and Margaret Thatcher’s strategy towards economic management. Spencer Batiste MP...

A 30-minute news programme, hosted by Richard Whiteley and Geoff Druett. The first segment covers current events in China and Hong Kong, and the fall in stock markets. Sir Peter Tapsell MP features here in an interview on his thoughts, and experiences at Tiananmen Square. European Election polls have closed and results are pending; the second segment discussed the potential split between Chancellor Nigel Lawson’s and Margaret Thatcher’s strategy towards economic management. Spencer Batiste MP and John Battle MP debate on these ideas in an interview. A featurette concerning the County of Humberside sees multiple interviews and perspectives on the concerns about a loss of cultural identity. Finally, the Westminster Diary segment discusses what is happening in Parliament during the week, such as proposals to re-establish county boroughs and new methods to support agricultural employment. Euro-Elections and euro campaign has been overshadowed by the events in China at Tiananmen square. Information is harder to find out due to tv and media restrictions. Beyond a moral outrage, Britain also has concern for Hong Kong; in the days following the tragedy, trading fell by over 20% in the Hong Kong stock exchange, the Governor flew to London for urgent talks, and Sir Jeffrey Howe made it clear that 3.5mil people from Hong Kong could not be expected to settle in Britain. Sir Peter Tapsell MP shares his experience being at Tiananmen Square 2 days before the massacre. Tapsell felt that it would end badly, but never anticipated the vastness of the tragedy; crowds seemed well behaved to him. He did not perceive the protest as ‘losing its steam’ at any point. He suggests that nobody in the West can answer well enough why the protests and tragedy happened, but he contemplates some potential factors. That of economic reforms being implemented, but not accompanied with political reforms, as well as high inflation rates in China in comparison to the West. He believes the events at Tiananmen Square has put China’s cause back by a generation. In terms of Hong Kong stock exchange drops, he suggests that it has traditionally been worthwhile to invest after a disaster; he sees it is likely they will survive this. Polls have closed for the European Elections and two by-elections in Vauxhall and Glasgow Central; results for the former are not expected until the following Sunday or Monday. These elections have been seen as a major nationwide test for Thatcher’s government, at a time where economic policy decisions have meant the value of the pound has fallen once again. Will this force the Chancellor to increase in interest rates in order to prop this back up again? Questions are being raised about the split between Thatcher and Lawson over the running of the economy. Spencer Batiste MP and John Battle MP feature in an interview to discuss this. Battle thinks there are serious divisions between Thatcher and Lawson; there is high inflation and interest rates, and a record-level trade deficit. He emphasizes that the people’s major concerns are managing mortgage payments in line with the rising interest rates, and the potential for an increase in bankruptcy and unemployment. Batiste disagrees, and believes that Britain has an expanding economy that is dealing with the responsibilities of its own success. Necessary measures are being taken to control inflation, and the economy has changed with record improvements. Battle and Batiste disagree on the state of the economy regarding unemployment rates, inflation, and interest. Battle suggests a ‘just-tax’ policy. County of Humberside has created strong feelings amongst inhabitants, with some having protested that they have been stripped of their respective identities. Politicians are just as divided; some Tory’s are still calling for referendum, with Labour insisting Humberside have some of best local services. Humbersiders have the opportunity now to share what they think, but to please all may be difficult. Footage in and around Humberside is shown, with a march in Beverly for the abolition of the county of Humberside. This is not to do with actions of the council, but how people identify themselves as from either Humberside or East Yorkshire. The Boundary Commission must investigate and solve this issue. John Townend MP places responsibility on post offices for allowing people to address letters to either name state/location. In his constituency, an overwhelming majority for a new East Yorkshire is expected. Calls for a referendum to decide. Austin Mitchell MP believes there is an emotive desire to go back to Lincolnshire, but questions the real possibility of this. If there is to be a split, there must be a separate county on the south bank. Despite Labour’s pride in the quality of county services, elsewhere in the party there is desire for a more radical restructuring of government. John Prescott MP calls for an administrative structure that meets community needs, and believes Humberside local authority has done this well. Boundary Commission will consider leaving things as they are. Potential changes will not involve any extra powers, but rather economic benefits for the winners of the debate; they must now evaluate the complex argument, and weigh up economic factors. Stephen Garrish from the Boundary Commission understands the importance of looking at both the practical and the personal aspect of this debate; there are as many different views on this as there are people, so this is not an easy task. The final segment sees the Westminster Diary feature. MP Edward Lee wishes to implement a ’10-minute rule’ bill, and seek to repeal the 1974 Local Government Act. He disapproves of Humberside County, and wants to see the return of county boroughs and all-purpose local authorities. David Curry MP, has returned from the EEC Conference with new ideas to reform the system to help sheep farmers. With the intent to provide a stimulus to rural employment, he suggests a system of aid based upon the amount of people employed, as opposed to a standardised amount for all. Kevin Barron MP is seeking a meeting with energy secretary Cecil Parkins, when hearing of plans from the Department of Energy to plan for more redundancies. Featuring SPENCER BATISTE MP, JOHN BATTLE MP, Sir PETER TAPSALL MP, Producer CHARLOTTE MILLIGAN Director BURT BUDIN Political Editors RICHARD WHITELEY, GEOFF DRUETT Executive Producer GRAHAM IRONSIDE Yorkshire TV Ltd. 1989 YORKSHIRE TELEVISION Production