Letters to persons leaving the Government (Thompson and Hooper)

Dear Margaret

I have enjoyed the last eight years as a Minister in your administration. The various responsibilities, both as a Whip and a Parliamentary Secretary, have been enthralling and rewarding. Recently representing the United Kingdom at the EEC Fisheries Council has been a great and exciting experience. It has been a privilege to serve.

My constituents of all persuasions in Calder Valley well understand our British system that calls for me to combine my work on their behalf with that of the Ministry and the country and I am very grateful to them for that.

Once again may I say how much I have enjoyed the privilege of contributing.

Yours ever

Donald [end p1]

Dear Donald ThompsonDonald,

May I thank you for all you have done for the Government.

Your contribution to the work of the Whips' Office between 1981 and 1986 was tremendous. To these responsibilities, as to everything else you have touched, you brought the warmth and style of the North Country. I feel sure you will remember these years with particular affection.

Your work at the Ministry of Agriculture has been quite outstanding and has commanded admiration from all who have come in contact with you. In particular you have been able to bring to this department your specialised knowledge of the food industry and you have looked after our fishing industry superbly.

You have been a wonderful member of our team.

I am most grateful for everything you have done for our cause.

Warm regards,

Yours ever

Margaret [end p2]

Dear Prime Minister,

Thank you for offering me a further job in Government.

I have very much appreciated the opportunity to be part of the Government and to deal with the various tasks of a Government Whip and, as a Parliamentary Under Secretary, in Education and in the Department of Energy. It has been a great privilege to be involved with two major bills. [end p3]

I very much regret that I now feel the moment has come to offer my resignation but, of course, I will continue to support the Government from the backbenches.

With many thanks for your personal kindness and support always.

Yours sincerely,

Gloria Hooper [end p4]

Dear Lady Hooper,

Thank you for your letter indicating your wish to leave the Government. I was very sorry to lose you.

May I thank you for all that you have contributed to the Government. You joined the Whips Office in 1985 serving two successive years as Baroness-in-Waiting before going on to become Parliamentary Secretary at the Department of Education and Science in 1987 where you steered through the Lords with great skill the very major education reforms. You can take great pride in the part you played in this achievement.

More recently, as a Minister at the Department of Energy, you successfully piloted the Electricity Privatisation Bill through the House, a Bill of tremendous intricacy. You have also earned admiration for your work in the Department, particularly in promoting energy efficiency.

With best wishes for the future.

Kind regards.

Yours sincerely

Margaret Thatcher.