Annex ii42
Letter to Ms Maria Fernandes from the
Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards
Thank you for your letter of 6 July 2001.
I am sorry to hear that I failed to explain the matter
satisfactorily when you raised your concern.
As I said in the meeting, I apologise for not adding
to my introduction to you of the shorthand writer that House of
Commons shorthand writers always use a tape to ensure that their
shorthand record is accurate. I explained that since her tape
recorder and microphone were on the table in front of you, I did
not consider it necessary to give you a fuller description in
words. That was a mistake on my part and I hope you will now accept
my apology for it.
You should by now have received the full record of
our discussion and the backup tape which the shorthand service
have provided for you at your request, which I hope will set your
mind at rest. May I stress again that my one aim was to get an
accurate record of what you wished to say and if anything on the
transcript is incorrect or unclear, I would be grateful to receive
your corrections and additions.
11 July 2001
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