HC Deb 17 January 1986 vol 89 c724W
Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, further to his statement of the evening of Monday 13 January, what was the time at which he became aware of the contents of the letter sent to the Government by Sir Austin Pearce.

Mr. Brittan

I became aware of the contents of the letter dated 13 January from Sir Austin Pearce to the Prime Minister on 14 January.

Mr. John Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his reply to the right hon. Member for Morley and Leeds, South on 13 January, Official Report, column 783, whether he or anyone in his Department saw the Solicitor-General's letter in draft before it was sent, or material upon which the letter was based; and whether he was consulted about the contents of the letter, or its sending, before it was sent.

Mr. Brittan

I refer the right hon. Gentleman to what I said in my speech to the House on 15 January at column 1167–8.