We have had diaries from other cabinet ministers, but none I think which have been quite so illuminating. It is a fascinating diary. It is shorter than Barbara Castle's. And although it is rather more accurate than Dick ...We have had diaries from other cabinet ministers, but none I think which have been quite so illuminating. It is a fascinating diary. It is shorter than Barbara Castle's. And although it is rather more accurate than Dick Crossman's, it is distinctly funnier' - lord Allen of abbeydale (formerly permanent secretary at the home office) in 'it has an entertainment and educational value which is unique.