Gamble in Vegas

Prescott Report to be Published Friday

Westminster's standards will publish its report Friday on whether John Prescott breached parliamentary rules when he stayed at the ranch of super casino bidder Philip Anschutz.

MPs on the cross-party House of Commons Standards and Privileges Committee congregated on Thursday to discuss the undeclared vacation by Prescott in the Colorado estate of the casino tycoon.

In addition to the ranch trip, the investigation also covered the gifts received by Prescott from Anschutz. Prescott has been accused of wielding political influence to get key offices to favor the bid of the Millennium Dome, a property of Anschutz, to be granted the super casino license.

After a 90 minute session, the meeting between the MPs was concluded, but they refused to discuss the conclusion with reporters. However, they issued a brief statement:

"The Committee on Standards and Privileges has considered the memorandum submitted by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards on the complaint made by Hugo Swire against John Prescott.

"The Committee's report is expected to be published tomorrow, Friday 21 July, at 11am."

Rumors has been abound that Prescott will only be getting a slap on the wrist over the whole fiasco, if found guilty of having broken the rules.

The report will come shortly before Prescott takes over Prime Minister Tony Blair as he goes on his holiday.