Conservative member of parliament Tim Devlin stunned the House of Commons by reporting Yeltsin's death: "In view of the fact that I understand that President Yeltsin has died, could we have a debate or statement next week if there are any ramifications for this country's foreign policy?" Devlin asked.
The response of the leader of the House of Commons, Tony Newton, appeared to lend credence to Devlin's claim. "I have myself only just heard what I am sure will be news greeted with sadness and a degree of shock in the House," Newton said somberly.
But MP Sir Patrick Cormack brought the premature wake to an end. "It appears from the [news agency] tape that at 4 p.m. President Yeltsin was alive!" Cormack reported.
Speaker Betty Boothroyd was glad: "I am sure this House is pleased to have that news! We are always far too interested in bad news. It is nice to have a little good news for a change."
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