3 MAY 1963, Page 8

Dickie Dialogues `Harold doesn't think Dick's present job is big

enough for him. He's going to give him responsibility for the whole of economic policy.'

`How do you know'?'

`Dick told me himself.'

`Harold's going to let Dick choose people from outside the civil service to run the country. No more stuffed shirts. Good brains and good Socialists.'

`That sounds just like Dick.'

'Yes, that's what he said.'

* 'They say that Dick's a man of power now.' 'You mean he's going to get the Ministry of Fuel?'

'No, that's the one he isn't going to get. He has to keep something in reserve.'

When Labour comes to power Dick'll be freed from departmental responsibilities. His brain's far too good to be wasted on routine.'

'But what'll he do then?'

'Oh, he'll be thinking about policy about think- ing about policy about thinking about policy about thinking . .