HC Deb 09 July 1979 vol 970 c27
58. Mr. Christopher Price

asked the Paymaster General what meetings he has held with representatives of the press in his official capacity.

Mr. Maude

None, Sir.

Mr. Price

When he does meet representatives of the press, will the right hon. Gentleman continue the arrangements with the Daily Mail under which scurrilous and untrue Conservative Party press releases issued under his own name are reprinted verbatim in the Daily Mail, as they were on 26 April during the general election campaign under the title " Twelve Labour Lies "? Now that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has virtually doubled VAT, prescription charges have been increased, and the Government intend to sell off BP, will the right hon. Gentleman, having earlier made those allegations against the Labour Party, now withdraw the accusation and apply it to himself?

Mr. Maude

I do not think that that arises out of the original question.