The Rt. Hon. Sir John Major KG CH

Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 1990-1997

1994Prime Minister (1990-1997)

PMQT Written Answers – 19 May 1994

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Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 19th May 1994.

PRIME MINISTER:

 

European Union Anti-Discrimination Law

Mr. Wigley : To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the competence of the European Union in regard to the adoption of European law against discrimination whether on the basis of sex, race, age or disablement following the entry into force of the Maastricht treaty.

The Prime Minister : The entry into force of the treaty on European Union has not altered the European Community’s competence to legislate in respect of the principles under article 119 of the treaty of Rome against discrimination on the basis of sex, or its lack of specific competence to legislate against discrimination on the basis of race, age or disablement.

 

Engagements

Sir Peter Tapsell : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 19 May.

Mr. Harry Greenway : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 19 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 the House, I shall be having further meetings later today.

 

Civil Servants (Disability)

Mr. Byers : To ask the Prime Minister how many civil servants are employed in his Department; and how many of them are registered disabled.

The Prime Minister : There are 107 civil servants employed in No. 10 Downing street, none of whom is registered disabled. For recruitment purposes, my office is part of the Cabinet Office. There are 16 registered disabled civil servants employed in the Cabinet Office, out of a total of 1,386. The Cabinet Office is an equal opportunities employer.

 

Civil Rights (Disabled Persons) Bill

Mr. Alfred Morris : To ask the Prime Minister what representations he received about the Civil Rights (Disabled Persons) Bill between 6 and 12 May; what replies he has sent or will be sending; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister : I have received a number of representations, to which replies are being sent.

My right hon. Friend the Minister for Social Security and Disabled People announced the Government’s plans for combating discrimination against disabled people during the debate on Report stage of the Bill on 6 May, Official Report, column 996, and gave further details in his answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Tiverton (Mrs. Browning) on 10 May, Official Report, column 136.

My right hon. Friend is currently working on the detail of the consultation he announced on 6 May. The full proposals will be issued as soon as possible.