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Record revealed

James Callaghan's notes on policy ideas

In the autumn of 1978, the Labour Government were exploring key policy areas for the term ahead. This ‘Forward Look’ file contains Prime Minister James Callaghan’s handwritten notes about them.

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Beige cover that has been stamped 'Material used by official Historian DO NOT DESTROY'.

The cover of the file containing James Callaghan's notes.

Partial transcript

Confidential Filing

The invited Members of the Cabinet to provide a Forward Look note on the aims and objectives of their Departments for consideration by a small group of ministers.

Government Machinery.

September 1978.

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List of issues handwritten in blue pen, alongside a list of crossed-through initials.

An extract from Callaghan’s notes. 'Referendum' likely refers to Devolution for both Scotland and Wales. 'EMS' refers to the 'European Monetary System' and 'CAP' refers to the 'Common Agricultural Policy'.

Partial transcript

Rhodesia

Industrial Democracy

Middle East.

Referendum.

Industrial Training & Unemployment

" strategy at the Firm Level

Northern Ireland

Europe – EMS.

– CAP.

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A continuation of the list of issues above at the bottom of a page.

Callaghan’s lengthy list of issues to consider continues.

Transcript

The Health Service.

Technological Change

Clean up London

Identify our Themes

The Wealth Tax Paper

Multinationals

Import Penetration

Defence

Taxation

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Black and white photo of a man in a dark suit and tie and short hair combed back, pursing his lips.

James Callaghan on 17 August 1970. Courtesy of The National Archives of The Netherlands (CC0).