DeLay and Thatcher: you scratch my back....

I'll support your lobbies... Britain's Daily Mirror scoops secret DeLay/Thatcher 'agreements for favors'...

KEEP IT SEALED KEEP IT SECRET

EXCLUSIVE: Secret paper links Thatcher to freebies probe (excerpt)

It said the request was part of a deception investigation "involving high-profile American and UK-based individuals, including a leading Congressman and former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher". At the centre of the probe is high-profile lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who is already under investigation in the US.

The document says: "US officials are investigating whether Abramoff was involved in obtaining legislative assistance from public officials in exchange for arranging and underwriting trips to the UK."

Investigators are also probing whether the public officials filed false reports relating to the trips.

The holidays involved playing golf at St Andrews in Scotland, dinner with unnamed members of the Scottish Parliament, theatre trips in London and luxury hotel accommodation.

Mr DeLay's staff also scheduled a meeting with Lady Thatcher.

The briefing adds that police investigating the meeting "have been asked to handle these inquiries sensitively given the nature of the individual concerned and the background to the request". Members of the Scottish Parliament will be questioned concerning any contacts they may have had with Abramoff, DeLay or members of their party.

Scottish police will collect hotel record, bills, invoices, and statements.

Lady Thatcher's spokesman said last night: "An approach was made to her office to confirm the bare details of the particular meeting. At this stage we are expecting nothing further.

"Lady Thatcher met Mr DeLay as as one politician meeting another. It was in no way a business meeting."