5 JULY 2003, Page 29

Archer: there was no letter

From Julia Simpson Sir: Your correspondent Rod Liddle ('Some are more guilty than others', 14 June) made reference to a Home Office letter suggesting that Jeffrey Archer should 'stay inside for a good deal longer — until December — and that parole be denied'.

No such letter exists or existed. We made this, and the fact that ministers do not interfere in any way with the working of the independent Parole Board, clear to media and to Parliament. Your readers should know the truth as well.

Julia Simpson

Director Communications Home Office

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