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Monday, 23 January 2006, 22:18 GMT

MPs told Prescott ate pie at game

Withdean Stadium John Prescott accepted a steak and kidney pie and a glass of water on a pre-Christmas visit to Brighton and Hove Albion FC, MPs have been told.

Lewes Lib Dem MP Norman Baker raised the issue of hospitality given to the deputy prime minister on 16 December.

Mr Baker asked whether Mr Prescott took advice from officials before accepting hospitality from the club.

He was told: "Information relating to internal meetings, discussion and advice is not disclosed."

Planning guidance

Mr Prescott gave consent on 27 October for Brighton and Hove Albion to build a new stadium on greenbelt land at Falmer.

Lewes District Council, in Mr Baker's constituency, is challenging the decision in the High Court, arguing it conflicts with the government's planning guidance.

In a Commons written reply on Monday, Mr Baker was told: "The hospitality provided to Mr Prescott by Brighton and Hove Albion consisted of a steak and kidney pie and a glass of water in the creche temporarily being used as the directors' box."

The response came from Jim Fitzpatrick, a junior minister in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

He said to give any more information about the meeting "would harm the frankness and candour of internal discussions".



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Related to this story:
Club counts stadium defence cost (11 Jan 06 |  Southern Counties )
Prescott 'compromised' on stadium (31 Dec 05 |  Southern Counties )
Falmer petition handed to council (07 Dec 05 |  Southern Counties )
Legal challenge over stadium plan (24 Nov 05 |  Southern Counties )
Brighton stadium plans approved (28 Oct 05 |  Southern Counties )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Norman Baker MP
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
Brighton and Hove Albion
Lewes District Council
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