12 MARCH 1977, Page 22

The PM's secretary

Sir: The scene was 10 Downing Street. A visitor had arrived. He was greeted by a youngish lady.

'She nodded twice, smiling with a contented, contemplative expression, as though saying: "Yes, I am that celebrated woman, whom everybody governmental, of any country, has to deal with if he wants to deal with the Prime Minister. I am the Prime Minister's personal secretary; and Mr Poppleham MP is my washpot. And there are some who say that [rule the Empire": The visitor was Lord Raingo, eponymous hero of Arnold Bennett's novel, published in 1926. Plus ca change.

Quentin Crewe Netherset Hey, Madeley, Crewe