19 FEBRUARY 2000, Page 30

Betty Boothroyd

From Mr William Cash Sir: I would like to correct any possible mis- understanding over my article (12 Febru- ary). I did not intend to suggest that the Speaker, the Rt Hon. Betty Boothroyd MP, had overseen any disreputable weekend par- ties at the late Lord Walston's home; nor that she had at any time been his mistress. I apologise to Miss Boothroyd if my article conveyed any such impressions, which would have been incorrect.

William Cash

Shropshire