CABINET PAPERS
Complete classes from the CAB & PREM series in the Public Record Office
Series Three: CAB 128 & CAB 129 - Cabinet Conclusions & Cabinet Memoranda, 1945 and following

Part 5: The Wilson Government, October 1964 - December 1968
(CAB 128/39-43, 46 & CAB 129/119-139)

Part 5 follows the progress of Harold Wilson’s government which began with many faltering steps and setbacks.  Further economic problems were to lead to Callaghan’s resignation as Chancellor of the Exchequer and the erosion of grassroots support as the balance of payments situation deteriorated.

• These CAB 128 and CAB 129 files cover the period October 1964-December 1968.
• Scholars can look at the legislation introduced to modernise Britain and liberalise its social and political institutions – for example:  the creation of the Ministry of Technology, the Sexual Offences Act of 1967 which legalised homosexuality, the legalisation on abortion and the 1968 Race Relations Act.

How well did Roy Jenkins manage to tackle the economic problems facing the country in 1968?  How did the Government face up to difficult problems with labour relations, immigration and growing unrest in Northern Ireland?  What improvements did Wilson’s administration make in housing and education?  All of these topics are examined in great detail within these CAB 128 and CAB 129 files.