Heath's Economic Policies Flashcards
what was Heaths main aim in 1970 regarding government style
to adopt a “new style of govt”
reduced prices
increased productivity
lowered unemployment
less state intervention
how did heath differ from previous conservative governments economically
rejected the post war consensus
wanted free market economy
reduced taxes
less govt spending
weaker trade unions
what was the 1971 industrial relations act
aimed to weaken to power of trade unions and reduce strikes
what was the Selsdon park conference 1970
a conservative strategy meeting that launched “new right” ideas
promoting free market policies and individual responsibility
what did selsdon man represent
a new conservative voter rejecting consensus policies often criticised as selfish and uncaring
you’re out on your own
what were the six key priorties in the 1970 conservative manifesto
- tax reform
- better law and order
- reform to trade unions
- immigration controls
- cut to public spending
- end subsidies to lame duck industries
what was the barber boom
chancellor Anthony Barber economic policy involving tac cuts and reduced govt spending to stimulate growth
what were the consequences of the barber boom
inflation rose
council house rents increased
workers suffered due to cuts in subsides
why was Margaret thatcher called milk snatcher
she cut free school milk as education secretary which was unpopular with the public
what were labours criticisms of heaths government
abandoning the mixed economy
weakening the welfare state
undermining full employment
what caused Heaths U-turn in 1972
inflation hit 15% and industrial output dropped
leading the govt to return to controlling prices and subsidies
How did Heath deal with Rolls Royce in 1971
he nationalised it to prevent collapse
despite his opposition to state support for struggling industries
what happened with upper clyde shipbuilders
the govt tried to end grants
but workers resisted closure through protests and strikes
key events if Heaths term in office 1970 - 1974
1971 - denationalisation, industrial relations acts
1972 - bloody Sunday, industrial strikes
1973 - energy crisis, UK joins EEC, Three-day week
1974 - Two elections - Heath loses power
