The Rt. Hon. Sir John Major KG CH

Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 1990-1997

1992Prime Minister (1990-1997)

PMQT Written Answers – 21 May 1992

admin

Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 21st May 1992.

PRIME MINISTER:

 

Our Country, the Planet

Mr. Dalyell : To ask the Prime Minister when he received the copy of “Our Country, the Planet” by Sonny Ramphal which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister : I have received a copy of “Our Country, the Planet” by Sonny Ramphal. We are committed to ensuring the success of the Earth Summit in Rio. I was the first world leader to announce my intention of attending and I am continuing to press my colleagues to confirm their attendance. I particularly welcome the recent statement by President Bush that he will be joining us in Rio. The Government have very clearly set out their objectives for the summit. I expect to be able to agree a number of important conventions, agreements and declarations which will represent a worthwhile first step in the world’s quest for sustainable development.

 

Earth Summit

Mr. Steen : To ask the Prime Minister how many officials and Ministers are attending the Earth Summit in June; which Departments they represent; what is the estimated cost of their travel and subsistence; and if he will make it his policy for all those representing the United Kingdom to use, wherever possible, British airlines.

The Prime Minister : The information is not yet available. I will write to my hon. Friend when it is.

 

Lockerbie Bombing

Mr. Dalyell : To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has had from the Government of Malta about the Libyan nationals accused of the Lockerbie bombing.

The Prime Minister : We have maintained regular contacts with the Government of Malta on all aspects of the Lockerbie bombing.

 

EC Committee of the Regions

Mr. Donald Anderson : To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Gateshead, East (Ms. Quin) on 11 May, Official Report, column 21, if he will make it his policy that the representatives of Wales on the proposed European Community committee on the regions (a) include no one who has not been elected in Wales and (b) reflect the political balance within Wales.

The Prime Minister : As I indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for Gateshead, East (Ms. Quin) on 11 May, Ministers are considering United Kingdom membership on the Committee, including the question of how best to ensure an adequate balance of interests.

 

EC Rebates

Q7. Sir Teddy Taylor : To ask the Prime Minister if he will raise at the next meeting of the European Council the question of whether the Council of Ministers or any other EC institution has the power to withdraw the rebates negotiated at Fontainebleau without the agreement of the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister : I have no plans to do so. The abatement for the United Kingdom agreed at Fontainebleau is enshrined in Community law. It cannot be amended except by unanimity, and with the approval of national Parliaments.

 

Engagements

Mr. Harry Greenway : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 21 May.

The Prime Minister : This morning I presided at a meeting of the Cabinet and had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in this House I shall be having further meetings later today.