HE may have other problems to contend with at the moment, but Tony Blair really should splash out on some maps for his confused Cabinet.
Yet again, one of the Prime Minister's senior Ministers has claimed land-locked Harrogate is "by the sea".
Last year, it was Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt. Yesterday it was
red-faced Education Secretary Charles Clarke.
Mr Clarke lost his bearings after a barrage of criticism over the school funding crisis from Phil Willis, the town's MP and Liberal Democrat Education spokesman.
Norwich MP Mr Clarke told a bemused Commons: "Perhaps I could visit the honourable Gentleman in Harrogate this summer and lounge on the beach while I consider what to do. On the other hand, I might find that people come up and shout at me, having been inspired by the honourable Gentleman."
Labour MPs shook their heads, but he did not spot the blunder and put the record straight.
Updated: 10:57 Friday, July 18, 2003
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