Dear Prime Minister,
As you may have heard last month I suffered a mild heart attack. Although I appear to be making a good recovery, my Doctors tell me that I shall have to rest for some weeks yet. In the circumstances I will not be in a position to carry out my duties in the Northern Ireland Office and I must therefore ask you to accept my resignation from the Government.
I have been immensely privileged to have been a member of your Administration since 1979. I hope to return to public life before very long and in any event I shall continue to be a loyal supporter of your Government in the House of Lords.
Yours sincerely,
William Mansfield. [end p1]
Dear The Earl of Mansfield William
I was so sorry to learn from your letter that, to provide time for recovery from your recent illness, you feel that you must resign from your post as Minister of State in the Northern Ireland Office.
Both at the Northern Ireland Office and previously at the Scottish Office you have served the Government with distinction. In sending you my best wishes for a rapid and complete recovery, I add my warm thanks for the contribution you have made and for your expression of continuing support.
Yours sincerely
Margaret Thatcher