To London by 1st class for a Computing interview and then to the Commons and off by coach for a PITCOM visit engaging Lord Barnett , Derek Broome and Brian Murphy to good effect and hearing all about the Arianespace project from its Chairman as we drank ‘Hayley’s Comet’ Champagne and ate caviar
An early start, drinking morning tea on my feet and preparing quickly for an early train. To the office for some papers and then on to the station. Just time to pay for a first class return to Kings Cross as the train arrived. A full train, but a few seats in first class with the other passengers standing, which continues to be a scandal. A good journey and chance to catch up on some reading before arriving at Kings Cross and The Great Northern Hotel at 8.30am. A breakfast interview with a journalist from Computing newspaper, Mr Jim McCarten. He conducts an interview for use as a ‘Personality Profile’ which I shall read with interest in Computing Magazine in a week or twos time. On by taxi in quite heavy traffic to Westminster and the Members Entrance of the House of Commons. A luxury coach collected MPs, Lords, and PITCOM Council Members for a day trip to Milton Keynes and a hosted visit to the Burroughs Education Centre. I was seated opposite Lord Barnett (Joel Barnett, the former Financial Secretary to the Treasury of the last Labour government). A heartening conversation with his Lordship on technology matters as they affect government policy. An interesting chance to exchange news on industry policies and finance. It seems he is Chairman of a number of public companies these days and a Director of Burroughs.
On to Milton Keynes in our luxury, and to a welcome and presentation by our Burroughs hosts. A conducted tour of the premises, which are very distinctive and an equally distinctive security escort to ensure either their safety or ours – it was not quite clear. Photographs for their house magazine, lunch and then a visit to the local ITEC, which is sponsored by the company. All back into the coach and return trip to Westminster. I suppose about six or so Members from both Houses made the trip. An animated conversation on the way back with their public relations consultants probing me on my industry affiliations, and with Derek Broome, where I defended the British industrial capability. In retrospect a good job done in putting the multinational contribution in perspective. Safely back to the Commons, dropped at the Members Entrance and into Westminster Hall by the rear entrance, surprisingly avoiding the security checks. With Derek, I walked across to the security post and had my baggage checked for propriety, but nearly regretted it when I had to have four attempts past the scanner with my wallet, bordered with metal trim and full of credit cards, identified eventually as the culprit. To the Grand Committee Room and to arrive early for a presentation, so earnest in conversation with Derek on the subject of oak furniture, we ended friends after our earlier disagreement. The evening’s event was a talk, film and reception in honour of the Arianespace Team and the 1986 expedition to investigate Halley’s Comet. A rousing speech by the Arianespace Chairman, Frederic d’Allest, and, after the film, by the European Space Agency Director, General Professor Hutz, whose knowledge of English was somewhat better able to cope with the situation. A nice reception afterwards, cold buffet, including caviar and Halley’s Comet champagne. I spoke to Philip Virgo and Brian Murphy and undertook to invite Dr Jill Hills to submit a paper to the PITCOM journal and then to Roy Newall, who did his normal party trick of introducing me to all and sundry and trying to help me put across my views. Home eventually by tube to Kings Cross, by train to St Neots and then by car. Time on the train to catch up with these last two days journal, although the quality of the ride was not ideal for that purpose. I found Diana up and we chatted about our new home next door and our plans for starting to use it.