§ Ql. Mr. DalyellTo ask the Prime Minister what assessment was made, when Mr. Charles Powell was seconded to her Office as her private secretary for overseas affairs, of the implications of his role and authority in that capacity for his effectiveness in any future posting on his eventual return to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime Minister (Mrs. Margaret Thatcher)None, Sir.
§ Mr. DalyellDid Mr. Powell really fail to tell the Prime Minister about the role of the then Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in the Westland Law Officer"s leaked letter before the inquiry had reported?
§ The Prime MinisterAs I have told the hon. Gentleman many times, I have nothing to add to the many answers and statements that I have given on this matter.
§ Mr. CashDoes my right hon. Friend accept that the batty question asked by the hon. Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Dalyell) shows that he has no clue about the qualities that are needed for such appointments? He knows perfectly well that he has no justification for the allegations he has been putting down on the Order Paper, which are a grave misuse of the procedure of the House.
§ The Prime MinisterI agree with my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. FatchettIs it not about time that the Prime Minister came clean with my hon. Friend the Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Dalyell) and the House and told the whole truth about the Westland affair, particularly in the light of the journal report this week which suggested that the right hon. Member for Henley (Mr. Heseltine), who was then Secretary of State for Defence, had made it abundantly clear that the Prime Minister was responsible for the leaked letter? Is it not time that the Prime Minister commented on that and told us the truth? It is her integrity that is being challenged by these proceedings and by the right hon. Gentleman"s comments.
§ The Prime MinisterI have answered innumerable questions and given extensive replies. I have nothing further to add.
§ Sir Bernard BraineWhen my right hon. Friend rightly drew a sharp contrast between the orderly and civilised city of Toronto——
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I hesitate to interrupt the Father of the House, but this is a definitive question.