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 – 19 October 1992

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Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 19th October 1992.

PRIME MINISTER:

 

Pitchford Hall

Mr. Dalyell : To ask the Prime Minister (1) what representations he has had on Her Majesty’s Government’s response to requests to take into public ownership Pitchford Hall and its contents in Shropshire;

(2) what discussions Her Majesty’s Government have had with (a) Lord Rothschild of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, (b) Hugh Stirling of the National Trust and (c) Jocelyn Stevens of English Heritage on the future of the contents of Pitchford Hall in Shropshire.

The Prime Minister : I have written to the hon. Member and have placed a copy of the letter in the Library.

 

Racial Harmony

Mr. Allen : To ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will use the United Kingdom presidency to promote a European Community directive on racial harmony;

(2) what steps he has taken under his presidency of the European Community to promote racial harmony in the Community.

The Prime Minister : The Government are opposed absolutely to discrimination on grounds of race. This position is reflected in all our discussions with our European partners on these matters. The detailed legislative arrangements in other member states are, however, a matter for them, taking account of their particular circumstances.

During the United Kingdom presidency the Government will be taking any appropriate opportunity to encourage our European Community colleagues to consider best practice in combating racial discrimination. One such opportunity will be the equal opportunities conference to be hosted by the Department of Employment in Birmingham from 7 to 8 December.

 

Classless Society

Mr. Allen : To ask the Prime Minister what proposals he has brought forward in his presidency of the EC to realise a classless society.

The Prime Minister : The Government’s policies are aimed, and will continue to be aimed, at widening opportunities for all members of society. The education, health and other public service reforms, including the citizens charter, will take this process forward during our presidency of the EC and beyond. A European conference on public services and the citizen will be held in London in December as part of the United Kingdom presidency.

 

Olympic Games

Mr. Alfred Morris : To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement detailing the Government’s financial commitment to Manchester’s Olympic 2000 bid and the timing of its implementation.

The Prime Minister : On 26 February I announced a £55 million support package for Manchester’s Olympic 2000 bid. Of this, £53 million is towards the provision of facilities in advance of the nomination and £2 million is to support the bid itself. The International Olympic Committee will decide the host city in September 1993. If Manchester’s bid is successful, the Government will contribute to the provision of necessary facilities for the games.