Blair Takes Pressure With Prescott

Tony Blair has been taking much heat over the Prescott issue, by failing to launch the much called for full inquiry into the conduct of his Deputy. New calls for probe follows the unveiling of Sir Philip Mawer's report into the conduct of Blair's second in command.

Blair has shown unwavering support for his deputy, and has now considered the matter "closed" as Prescott has registered all that needs be. "The situation is that John Prescott has rectified the problem and the Prime Minister believes that is an end of it," his spokesman said.

Mawer's report suggested that by staying at the Colorado ranch of super casino bidder Philip Anschutz and accepting gifts, he may have broken ministerial rules. Anschutz is the owner of the Millennium Dome in London, one of the 8 short listed sites where Britain's first super casino might be located.

Mawer said that Prescott was under the impression that "accepting Mr Anschutz's hospitality would not place him under any obligation".

"However, what Mr Prescott failed to do at that time was also to address, as the Ministerial Code requires, whether the proposed hospitality was from a source which might reasonably be thought likely to influence ministerial action," he said.

MPs on the Standards and Privileges Committee, upon publishing the findings, raised questions about the duration it took for Prescott to declare his visit.

Mawer said that only Blair has the power to determine whether Prescott has been in breach of ministerial codes.