Bomber Harris
I would expect him to know that I had the a/p disconnected flying a relatively difficult manouver and that i was in no position to 'have a chat'.
Why would you expect him to know that? I have been in ATC for 30 years inc mil/ Manch and wouldn't have the faintest idea whether the a/p was connected or not. As for a chat, it was hardly that.As previously mentioned, it was probably to reassure you that the 'confliction' was climbing/des to a safe level. Not correct procedure, I agree, but trying to keep you in the picture.