Annex 34
File note by the Parliamentary Commissioner
for Standards
John Maxton
Telephone conversation with Elizabeth Filkin, 4 February 2000
After Mr Maxton`s call to DG (PA to EF) I
phoned him.
He was cross and anxious.
He began by saying why had I checked that it was
D Nelson rather than a complaint from The Observer? I explained
that DN had said he was moving to the Scotsman shortly
so I wanted to be clear who the complainant was.
My task was to make sure Mr Maxton had the opportunity
to respond to the allegations. He said if I didn`t get the tapes
I would ask Mr Nelson again would I? I said I would. I always
treat complainants and MPs the same and we would check whether
letter received and whether they will be providing evidence they
have said they have.
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