Wilson 1964-70

Question 1

When was this gov’s first sterling crisis?

Answer 1

1964, Wilson refused to devalue the pound and this damaged Labour’s reputation on the economy.

Question 2

When was the national plan overseen by the Department for Economic Affairs (DEA)?

Answer 2

1965

Question 3

When was the seaman strike and what did it result in?

Answer 3

1966, effected the balance of payments and resulted in Wilson calling a state of emergency and prices and income were frozen.

Question 4

How many general elections were won by Wilson?

Answer 4

4

Question 5

How much was Labour’s majority in the 1966 election?

Answer 5

97 seats

Question 6

When and what was the criminal justice act?

Answer 6

1967, decriminalised homosexual acts between adult men.

Question 7

When was the Abortion act?

Answer 7

1967

Question 8

What times of the year did Britain re-apply to be member of EEC?

Answer 8

It was vetoed twice in May and Nov of 1968.

Question 9

When did Wilson devalue the pound and what happened before he did so?

Answer 9

Second sterling crisis occurred and as a result Wilson devalued the pound on 18th November 1967.

Question 10

What and when was the Commonwealth Immigration Act?

Answer 10

1968, arguably the most controversial of Labour acts ever passed. It restricted entry to UK of Kenyan Asians. After decolonisation, there was a consensus that redistribution of power was needed and therefore previous members of commonwealth were given British passports.

Question 11

What and when was the representation of the people act?

Answer 11

1969, reduced voting age to 18.

Question 12

What (of significance) occurred in 1969?

Answer 12

Representation of the people act (voting age to 18), Open university received its charter, Divorce reform act liberalised divorce laws, SALT (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks) between USA and USSR)

Question 13

What was passed in 1970?

Answer 13

Chronically sick and disabled persons act, Equal pay act was passed but actually came into force in 1975.

Question 14

When was Heaths election and how much was his majority?

Answer 14

1970, majority of 30.

Question 15

Who were the key figures in Wilson’s gov?

Answer 15

1. First Secretary of State (DEA) : George Brown
2. Chancellor: Jim Callaghan
3. Foreign Secretary: Patrick Gordon-Walker
4. Minister for Aviation: Roy Jenkins
5. Minister for Overseas Development: Barbara Castle

Question 16

In 1964 election (13th Oct), what was Labour’s majority?

Answer 16

4