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Programme presented by Tony Francis. The first item is a look at the Northfield by-election in Birmingham which was caused by the recent suicide of the Conservative MP Jocelyn Cadbury. In the studio Sue Winter reveals the latest opinion polls and then describes the area in a film item. We see the exterior of the British Leyland factory at Longbridge; and views of housing (including council housing) and the exterior of Birmetals Ltd which closed in 1980. Back in the studio Reg Harcourt interviews Steve Bristow of Wolverhampton Polytechnic about the opinion poll.
The next item on film is a report about Midlands factory owners who are removing roofs from closed factories to avoid paying council rates. Len Tingle visits Sandwell where he talks to Jack Russell, Chairman of the Duport Group, who is organising the removal of the roof at Tipton (a sign indicates that it is likely to be part of the Portfield Foundry). Dudley, which is the next local authority, does not charge such rates. We see new factories being built on the Peartree Industrial Park in Dudley (part of the Dudley Enterprise Zone). Tingle also talks to John Owen of the Rubery Owen company who are demolishing the Harper's factory at Willenhall which used to employ 5,000 people. Back in the studio Tony Francis talks to Councillor Joe Adams, leader of Sandwell District Council about the story.
Next on film Jon Lander reports from the Liberal Party Conference at Bournemouth Pavilion. We see views of the seafront and conference delegates. Reg Harcourt talks to Liberal Party members Doreen Elliot and Elizabeth Sidney and Lesley Abdela of the all party 300 group about the low numbers of female MPs. Jon Lander then talks to former Superintendent David Webb from Handsworth about his political philosophy. Webb resigned in 1981 and is now a member of both the SDP and Liberal parties. Back in the studio Tony Francis talks to the Health Minister Kenneth Clarke about the current NHS pay dispute. The final item is a film profile of the Nuneaton Labour MP Les Huckfield. Due to boundary changes Huckfield has decided not to stand at the next election and is hoping to contest the Wigan seat instead. We see library pictures of Huckfield campaigning in Nuneaton in 1967; with flying pickets at Saltley coke depot in 1972; and marching with the British Leyland trade unionist Derek Robinson in 1979. We also see Huckfield handing out leaflets in Wigan and he is interviewed about his left wing views and support of Militant.
Political Editor: Reg Harcourt
Executive Producer: Terry Johnston
Editor: Mike Warman
Director: Rob Harding
Production number 1842/82.