31 JULY 1971, Page 5

Plump, portly Buck Jenkins

I dropped into the House of Commons on Tuesday to see and hear the Prime Minister dealing with his questions. Very cool and assured he looked, too, leaning against the dispatch box as to the manner born. Opposite him — although why they should sit opposite I cannot really say, and for how long I would prefer not

Speculate — sat the leader of that small but essential part of his Common Market coalition majority, Mr Roy Jenkins himself. The leader of the Jenkinsites looked definitely plump and portly, and he kept clasping his breasts. The Prime Minister, as I've suggested, was masterly. I. have never seen him lean before. It is an attitude which suits him, and which demonstrates his power.