Was the party's deputy Treasury spokesman before the election.

A Treasury spokesman acknowledged that "this is a tough patch".

But the Treasury spokesman indicated that there was no early prospect of a fall in interest rates.

A Treasury spokesman said no statistics were available about how many people aged less than 18 currently pay any tax.

The Treasury spokesman said a decision had not yet been made.

A Treasury spokesman said the department would review the decision and then decide whether to appeal.

A Treasury spokesman in Washington said he had no comment.

A Treasury spokesman insisted last night that the government had not known the full story.

A Treasury spokesman said the aviation sector should play its part in reducing the deficit.

A Treasury spokesman said that while he was aware of the market talk, no decision had been made on future 10-year auctions.