PMQT Written Answers – 26 May 1994
Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 26th May 1994.
PRIME MINISTER:
Wena Hotels, Egypt
Mr. Hunter : To ask the Prime Minister if he will make representations to President Mubarak, requesting the full and immediate implementation of the verdict of the Egyptian arbitration authorities in favour of the United Kingdom company Wena Hotels in respect of its dispute with the Egyptian hotel company.
The Prime Minister : There are two hotels involved in this dispute. The Egyptian arbitration committee last month awarded Wena Hotels compensation in respect of one hotel, but judgment is awaited for the second. The company remains in touch with the Egyptian authorities, with support from our embassy in Cairo.
Engagements
Mr. Harry Greenway : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 26 May.
Sir Peter Tapsell : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 26 May.
The Prime Minister : This morning I presided at a meeting of the Cabinet and had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others.
EC (Legislation)
Sir Teddy Taylor : To ask the Prime Minister if he will raise at the next meeting of the European Council the volume of legislation being proposed by the Commission.
The Prime Minister : We are still discussing the agenda for the Corfu European Council with our European Union partners. We will bear my hon. Friend’s suggestion in mind. We welcome the continued downward trend in the number of proposals for principal legislation brought forward annually by the Commission, a trend which owes much to the efforts of the Government.
Iraq
Mr. Dalyell : To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 11 May, Official Report, column 185, when he expects the British Red Cross to have clarified the issues in respect of the health of the Iraqi people, with particular reference to water filters and water pumps.
The Prime Minister : The British Red Cross has, with its Dutch and German colleagues, been discussing with the European Community the possibility of a significant contribution to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ appeal. Once the amount of this contribution has been resolved, and the British Red Cross has clarified how successful the appeal has been, they expect to put a proposal to Her Majesty’s Government. The timing of such a proposal is a matter for the British Red Cross.
Fascists
Mr. Winnick : To ask the Prime Minister if he will put a proposal before other heads of Governments of the European Union that a member country which has fascists in its Government be suspended from the Union.
The Prime Minister : No. All member states of the European Union have democratically elected Governments, and we work with them on that basis.
Malaysia
Mr. Byers : To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 17 May, Official Report, column 404, on what day in June 1988 the Malaysian Government were informed of his predecessor’s wish to visit Malaysia.
The Prime Minister : On 29 June 1988.
Disabled People
Mr. Wareing : To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 10 May, Official Report, column 153, what estimate he has made of the cost of the proposed consultation exercise to investigate discrimination against disabled people ; and if he will list those persons and organisations he intends to consult.
The Prime Minister : The Government will consult within six months on proposals to combat, not investigate, discrimination against disabled people. A wide range of organisations will be consulted, including those involving disabled people, employers and business more generally. The exact extent and cost of the consultation exercise will not be known until the proposals have been finalised.
Australia and Thailand
Mr. Byers : To ask the Prime Minister which Ministers travelled with his predecessor when she visited Australia and Thailand in August 1988.
The Prime Minister : During her visit to Australia and Thailand in August 1988, my right hon. and noble Friend was not accompanied by any Ministers.