Letter: Debt to De Freitas

Gwyneth Dunwoody Mp
Wednesday 23 December 1998 20:02 EST
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Sir: I was one of the greatest admirers of Helen de Freitas, who was a most remarkable and talented lady. She demonstrated in all that she did a most charming manner and a formidable intelligence. I hope therefore that you will allow me to correct one thing in your excellent obituary by Leonard Miall (17 December).

Lady de Freitas did not, at any time, organise meetings to help elect our present Speaker, the Rt Hon Betty Boothroyd MP, even though they were great friends. What she did do, at a most important time in the Labour Party, was to host meetings of National Executive Committee members to work on various problems we were experiencing.

I hope you will allow me to put on record what an enormous debt we all owe to her.

GWYNETH DUNWOODY MP

(Crewe and Nantwich, Lab)

House of Commons

London SW1

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