12 JULY 1997, Page 26

Paul Johnson writes: Hugo Young and Alan Rusbridger did not

go to Hong Kong as mere journalists. There were indeed Guardian people present in that humble capacity. But Mr Young and his friend went there as media grandees, as members of the official accompanying party, as it was described, at the invitation of the Foreign Office and the governor of Hong Kong. I understand their newspaper was asked to make a contribution of several thousand pounds each towards the costs. But what did the junket actually cost per person? I leave Spectator readers to guess. Certainly, not a penny came out of the personal pock- ets of Messrs Young and Rusbridger.