Corridors.
MR GEORGE POTTINGER the top Scottish civil servant mentioned in the Poulson bankruptcy hearing, was recently a hot tip to become the Permanent UnderSecretary at the Scottish Office. This could hardly have happened under the last government: the legendarily dour Secretary of State during the whole of that period, Mr Willie Ross, always treated Mr Pottinger as if he had a slight dose of bubonic plague.
All this dates back to the early days after the war when Mr Ross, like many other returning soldiers, was known as Major Ross. The story is still retailed that he contacted the Scottish Office and asked to be put through to a senior politician. When this was not done he said, "Tell them it is Major Ross." Back came the laconic reply, "Colonel Pottinger says no."
PUZZLE ADVISES Mr Anthony Lambton to come off it. Mr Lambton still wishes to be known as Lord Lambton despite renouncing his title. Now Puzzle thinks all good titles should be purchased at a stiff going rate. Sir Thomas Puzzle Bart will gladly give evidence to the next Select Committee which wastes the taxpayers' money on such aspirations.
PUZZLE CANNOT HELP but mention at this time the question of the undertaking given by M Pompidou that the common agricultural policy will be permanent in the Community. He told French television viewers on June 24, 1971, about the deal he had from his five fellow members of the EEC. "I very clearly put the bargain to them. And I obtained, on the one hand, that the agricultural Market should become permanent, in exchange, on the other, for the opening of negotiations with Great Britain." For how long does this bargain hold good?
Tom Puzzle
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