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57 – 59 Perowne Street, Down the drain with David Lane
59 Perowne Street
The slogan ‘Down the drain with David Lane’ can still be seen, albeit faded, on the external wall of the former premises of Ray Walker, Motor Engineer, 59 Perowne Street.
It is likely that this graffito was painted in reaction to a speech which Cambridge’s then Conservative MP, Mr David Lane, made on Thursday 30 May 1968 in a debate on a Lords’ amendment to the Labour Government’s Industrial Expansion Bill.
In his speech, during which Mr Lane was repeatedly called to order by the speaker of the House of Commons, Dr Horace King (Later Baron Maybray-King), Mr Lane made repeated attempts to protest at what he described as the Government’s programme of ‘back-door nationalisation’ saying, (inter alia):
There has been and still is a widespread public fear of back-door nationalisation. The Government make light of it. […]
The type of scheme envisaged in the words of Clause 2 is one which “would not be undertaken without such financial support as is authorised by this section.” For these schemes from the financial viewpoint loans are a much preferable form of support. Loans would provide a sure return to the public funds at what may be a tricky time in the history of a venture. It is much fairer and more safe for the taxpayer who has seen too much money go down the drain in unwise ventures [This author’s emphasis]. There is a certain interest to come back throughout the term of the loan. This is a much better form of investment in these circumstances than an equity holding. It is easier to get the advance back and to keep public money circulating in desirable ventures.
This would suggest that the slogan was painted in spring 1968. One wonders who the painter was; if s/he is still alive and still living locally.
Notes
- Sir David Lane, born 24 September 1922, died 16 November 1998, was Conservative MP for Cambridge from 21 September 1967 until 12 November 1976.
- Source of quote: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=1968-05-30a.2176.2 (Accessed 26 June 2016)
Timeline
1878–
1884
(No Nº) Denson, John Russell, builder, yard & workshops
1887
(No Nº) Denson, John Russell, builder’s yard and carpenter’s workshops
1891
(No Nº) Paul, T. C., stables, horse and carriage proprietor
1895
(No Nº) Paul, T. C., stables, horse and carriage proprietor
1898
(No Nº) Paul, T. C., stables, horse and carriage proprietor; Slingsby, R., builder’s workshop
1901
(No Nº) Paul, T. C., stables, horse and carriage proprietor; Slingsby, R., builder’s workshop
1904
(No Nº) Paul, T. C., stables, horse and carriage proprietor; Slingsby, R., builder’s workshop
1907
57 & 59 Watts, J.A., wheelwright and blacksmith
1910-1940
57 & 59 Watts, J.A., wheelwright and blacksmith
1948
57 Bloy Albt. C. commssn. agt???; 57 & 59 Walker Ray, motor engnr
1951
57 & 59 Walker Ray, motor engnr; 57 & 59 Game H. J. engnr
1953
57 & 59 Walker Ray, motor engnr; 57 & 59 Game (Cambridge) Ltd. genl. engnrs. Tel. No. 57744
1955
57 & 59 Walker Ray, motor engnr; 57 & 59 Game (Cambridge) Ltd. genl. engnrs. Tel. No. 57744
1957
57 & 59 Walker Ray, motor engnr; 57 & 59 GAME (CAMBRIDGE) LTD. genl. engnrs. A.I.D. approved. Tel. No. 57744
1960-64
57 Bloy A. C. commssn. agt; 57 & 59 Walker Ray, motor engnr
1965-68
57 BLOY A. C. turf commission agent. Tel. Cambridge 55043 & 57372; 57 & 59 Walker Ray, motor engnr
1970
57 BLOY A. C. turf commission agent. Tel. Cambridge 55043 & 57372; 59 (No listing)
1971-72
57 Bloy A. C. turf commission agt
1973-75
57 Bloy A. C. turf commission agt; (No Nº) Walker Roy, motor engnr
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