Corridors . . .
PUZZLE UNDERSTANDS THAT a number of Tony Lambton's friends are cross with his cousin, Alec Home. Alec, It appears, dropped a letter of sympathy after the resignation, and made it known that he had been aware that Lambton was under scrutiny, but felt duty bound not to inform, him. That shows two things — how impeccable Alec's sense of duty is; and his significance as, evidently one of the Prime Minister's confidants.
IT NOW LOOKS increasingly likely that John Davies will get Lord Melchett's job as head of British Steel. It would be the final demonstration of Ted Heath's disillusion with the man he brought into government to restructure British industry, but who failed to make it, either in his department or in Parliament; but it would return Davies to a life which he really enjoys. And it would make another Cabinet post free for the autumn reshuffle.
DOES ANYBODY THINK Peter Tapsell is ever going to get a job in this Government? Even if you disagree with everything he says, you must admit that he has been ahead of Tea Heath and his ministers in recommending everything they ought to do and predicting it before they do it. Puzzle hears that Tapsell, who is far from unambitious, will not have much longer to wait before a coveted Parliamentary Under Secretaryship comes hieway — but not, alas, in the economic field where he has made his reputation.
ANOTHER BRIGHT young thing tipped for a job is Cecil Parkinson, the member for Enfield West: He is an honorary member of the Peter Walker Mafia — that is, he has apparently unwillingly allowed himself to be convinced of Walker's calibre; and, supposing a move for a PUS at the DTI, young Cecil looks like havJ ing a good chance, through being mildly hard to get.
Tom Puzzle'
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