13 MARCH 1982, Page 20

Fairy story

Sir: I realise that the Spectator is proud of its muscular right-wing approach to politics, but do you now need to tell blatant lies to reinforce your readers' prejudices? In your issue of 13 February ('Portrait of the week') you reported that a Gay Party was held at County Hall to celebrate 11 million of grants to homosexual groups in the Greater London area'. There was no partY and the total given in grants to a number of London homosexual counselling groups amounted to well under £10,000. However, who are we to spoil a good story with the facts?

Tony Banks

Arts and Recreation Committee, Greater London Council, The County Hall, London SE!