PMQT Written Answers – 8 February 1995

Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 8th February 1995.

PRIME MINISTER:

European Union

Mr. Mackinlay: To ask the Prime Minister what consultations have taken place on the European content on the draft framework document on Northern Ireland with (a) heads of Government in the EU other than the Taoiseach, (b) ministerial councils of EU states other than the Irish Republic, (c) the President of the EU and (d) individual commissioners of the EU.

The Prime Minister: None.

Mr. Mackinlay: To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to ensure that so long as Northern Ireland remains part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland interests will continue to be represented in the European Union’s various ministerial Councils exclusively by Ministers answerable to the Parliament at Westminster; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister: Under article 146 of the treaty of Rome, as amended by the treaty on European Union, member states’ representatives on the Council must be authorised to commit the Government of that member state. United Kingdom Ministers are answerable to the Parliament of Westminster, and will continue to represent the United Kingdom.

Ian Greer

Mr. Campbell-Savours: To ask the Prime Minister how many items he has received from Ian Greer in each week of the last month.

The Prime Minister: None.

Chequers

Mr. Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Prime Minister what was the cost to public funds of the meeting held at Chequers on 13 January to review British foreign policy; and what are the rules determining which expenditures at Chequers shall be met from public funds.

The Prime Minister [holding answer Tuesday 7 February]: It is not my usual practice to give the costs of individual meetings or receptions.

Expenses incurred by Ministers and officials meeting at Chequers in the course of official duty are met by the Cabinet Office.