In error Sir: The PA News Gallery staff a the
House of Commons were as astonished as I was to read Simon Hoggart's article, 'The silent Chamber' (10 February).
The Press Association has been reporting the proceedings of both Houses of Parlia- ment constantly since 1868 and is never absent from the Chamber at any time when the Commons is sitting. It is true that the media generally has dropped the large- scale gallery coverage that existed when I arrived at Westminster nearly 20 years ago, leaving them relying on our constant pres- ence at least as insurance against the unex- pected.
Mr Hoggart himself is a welcome and regular user of our printed paper sketch- writer service and I am sure Matthew Parris will be as baffled as I am by his wholly incorrect assertion that at times only the two of them report the Chamber.
Peter Willoughby
PA News Ltd, Press Gallery, House of Commons, London SW1
Simon Hoggart replies: Apologies
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