PMQT Written Answers – 19 January 1993
Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 19th January 1993.
PRIME MINISTER:
Engagements
Sir Peter Tapsell : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 19 January.
The Prime Minister : This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in the House, I shall be having further meetings later today.
Office Staff
Mr. Winnick : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list all the staff of his Office and their grades.
The Prime Minister [holding answer 18 January 1993] : The information is as follows :
Principal private secretary (Grade 3)
Private secretary–overseas affairs (Grade 3)
Chief press secretary (Grade 3)
8 Special advisers
Deputy chief press secretary (Grade 5)
Secretary for appointments (Grade 5)
Private secretary–economic affairs (Grade 5)
2 Private secretaries–Parliamentary affairs and home affairs (Grade 7)
4 Senior information officers
2 Senior executive officers
5 Higher executive officers
2 Assistants
10 Executive officers
22 Senior personal secretaries
4 Personal secretaries
11 Administrative officers
4 Typists
1 House manager
1 Door keeper
13 Support grade band 2
10 Support grade band 1
1 Support manager 3
1 Senior cook
In addition there are 10 custody guards, nine telephonists and four drivers who are not employed by my Office.
Trade Union Reform and Employment Rights Bill
Mr. Vaz : To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has received on the Trade Union Reform and Employment Rights Bill.
The Prime Minister : I have received a number of representations since the Bill was published on 5 November.
The Bill will increase the rights of trade union members, enhance the rights of individual employees, provide new protection for the community against the effects of unlawful industrial action, and improve the operation of the labour market.
Electrical Engineering
Mr. Pawsey : To ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will make a statement on Government support for electrical engineering; (2) what steps the Government have taken to reward excellence in the field of electrical engineering.
The Prime Minister : My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has set up sectoral divisions, including electrical engineering, leading to a closer dialogue to promote the recognition and importance of electrical engineering within the United Kingdom economy. The Government acknowledge the importance of electrical engineering and fully support the industry through a range of assistance that includes overseas trade, research and development, regional support and promoting awareness.
Excellence in the industry is acknowledged through the Queen’s awards including those for technology and exports, where electrical engineering is well represented. Additionally there are, of course, a number of people of eminence in the field of electrical engineering whose achievements have been recognised in the usual ways.