Mr Price said he received a "surprising" reply when he contacted Patrick Ross, chief constable of the now defunct Rochdale Borough Police.

BBC: Cyril Smith abuse claims: 'Police alerted in 1965'

He said he woke up just before 0330 GMT to discover his partner had not returned to their Westmorland Road flat, so he sent her a text message but received no reply.

BBC: Boyfriend's appeal for missing Swindon nightclub woman

He must have had a huge postbag but on each occasion I received a helpful and encouraging reply, typed on his famous old typewriter.

BBC: Sir Patrick Moore: Your memories

He said that he had written a personal letter to Bush after the debate asking for an apology but had not received a reply.

CNN: Ex-Russian prime minister wants apology from Bush