Dear Margaret,
At a discussion we had together in May, I told you that I was anticipating leaving the Government this summer. You were good enough to intimate that you wished me to stay in the Cabinet, but after much reflection I believe I have a contribution to make outside Government and I now place my resignation in your hands.
I have found my three years as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the most challenging of my political career. I have developed the greatest respect for the courage, resilience and decency of the ?vast [word not clear] majority of its people from all parts of the community. Northern Ireland deserves better than the lot history has cast for it. I hope that further progress can be made in coming years towards peace and reconciliation between the communities, and you and my counsellor will have the support of all of us in the difficult and sensitive task of bringing this about. After many years on the Front bench in Government and Opposition, there is bound to be a sense of sadness at leaving colleagues with whom one has worked so long a good times and a bad, and with whom one has developed lasting friendships. We came into the House together, and have worked together ever since, not always in complete harmony but with a frankness that is characteristic of both of us. In taking my leave of Government I wish to pay tribute to the strength of leadership you have given to the country, our Party and the Government. You can rest assured that I shall continue to give the Government my full support and loyalty from the back benches.
Yours ever
Jim
[end p1]Dear James PriorJim,
Thank you for your letter. After nearly 15 years of serving together, in Cabinet or Shadow Cabinet, it will seem strange to be without you and I and our colleagues will inevitably feel a sense of loss.
When some months ago we talked about your plans for the future, I stressed that there would be another place for you in Cabinet after your term of office in Northern Ireland. But reluctantly I have to accept you decision to devote your considerable experience and ability to activities outside Government.
I should like to thank you especially for the energy, understanding and imagination you have brought to the office of Secretary of State for Northern Ireland—one of the most testing positions in Cabinet—and also to thank Jane PriorJane for the splendid way in which she has supported you and enhanced your own success.
I take your point about frankness! That's what Cabinets are for, and lively discussions usually lead to good decisions. [end p2]
Your resignation is a loss to Cabinet. But your talents will be a gain to any new position you may take up.
Whatever you do, you will always make a major contribution in the service of our country. Our thanks and best wishes go with you. Yours ever Margaret [end p3]
[(2) Lord Bellwin]Lord Bellwin[Name omitted]
I was sad when you told me that you felt it was time for you to leave the Government. You have given generous and devoted service throughout your five years as Minister for Local Government. Your direct knowledge and experience of these matters has been invaluable and my Cabinet colleagues and I have been very grateful for it.
I know too how much successive Leaders of the House of Lords have valued your enormous contribution to the work of the Upper House and I am very much aware of the very heavy burden of legislation you have borne.
It is good to know we shall continue to have the benefit of your wisdom from the back benches, and that as ever you will give your unstinting support to our work. My grateful thanks to you and all best wishes. [end p4]
[(3) Lord Cockfield]Dear Lord CockfieldArthur,
You know how much I have appreciated and relied on your advice in Cabinet as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. Your varied experience in financial, industrial and commercial matters is unique.
You will be aware that we have to nominate United Kingdom Commissioners for the new European Commission which takes office from 6 January.
This is a time when there are issues of immense importance facing the Commission, which are crucial for the future of the Community as a whole. With your wide knowledge as a Treasury Minister, a Secretary of State for Trade and most recently as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster participating in the whole range of our economic policies, you are uniquely qualified to make a major contribution to the Commission's work on all these matters. I am therefore immensely grateful to you for agreeing so readily to take on this new and very important challenge by accepting nomination as our senior Commissioner.
I know that Willie Whitelaw would want me to say that he and his predecessor have been especially grateful for your contribution to the House of Lords from the Front [end p5] Bench. Your experience and authority have been of enormous value in the presentation of the Government's policies in the Upper House. Yours ever Margaret.