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 – 21 November 1994

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Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 21st November 1994.

PRIME MINISTER:

 

Al Yamamah Agreement

Mr. Llew Smith: To ask the Prime Minister if he will arrange for publication in the Official Report of a copy of the letter on the Al Yamamah agreement with Saudi Arabia to the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent referred to in his answer of 3 November, Official Report, column 1257 .

The Prime Minister: No. A copy is available in the Library of the House.

 

Cabinet Meetings

Mr. Boateng: To ask the Prime Minister whether the fact that a given Cabinet Minister has or has not attended a given meeting of the full Cabinet is a matter of public record.

The Prime Minister: It is not normal practice to publish details of attendance at Cabinet.

 

Security Services Committee

Mr. Winnick: To ask the Prime Minister if he will give the names and Departments of the proposed Clerks to the Committee relating to the security services.

The Prime Minister: As stated by my right hon. Friend the former Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, the Cabinet Office will provide the support staff for the committee on the intelligence and security services, Official Report, 22 February 1994, column 247 .

Mr. Winnick: To ask the Prime Minister (1) what expenditure has been allocated and under which vote for 1994-95 for the committee on the security services;

(2) if the committee on security services will be able to travel abroad to take evidence.

The Prime Minister: The expenditure for the intelligence services committee has been allocated under the Cabinet Office vote, class XIX. The annual cost of the committee is expected to be approximately £100,000. As my right hon. Friend the former Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, explained — Official Report, 22 February 1994, column 247 – this sum will be met from within existing provision. It includes provision for foreign travel where necessary for the committee to fulfil its functions.

Mr. Winnick: To ask the Prime Minister when he expects the committee on the security services (a) to meet and (b) to submit its first report to him; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister: Subject to the provisions of the Act, the committee will determine its own procedure. The date of the first meeting will therefore be a matter for the chairman and the committee. The committee is required to make an annual report to me on the discharge of its functions.

Mr. Winnick: To ask the Prime Minister (1) when he expects to give evidence to the committee on the security services;

(2) what restrictions there are on the people from whom the committee on the security services will be able to hear evidence.

The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the statements made by the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office – my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Grantham (Mr. Hogg) — Official Report, Standing Committee E, 24 March 1994, columns 250 54; 29 March 1994, columns 259 60; and Official Report, 27 April 1994, columns 336 37. I have nothing further to add.

Mr. Winnick: To ask the Prime Minister if he will now name the hon. Members who are on the parliamentary committee relating to the security services.

The Prime Minister: I have been in consultation with the Leader of the Opposition, the right hon. Member for Sedgefield (Mr. Blair), over the membership of the committee and expect to be able to make an announcement shortly.

 

Small Business Bureau

Mr. Rooker: To ask the Prime Minister what hospitality he has provided at 10 Downing Street for the Small Business Bureau since April 1992.

The Prime Minister: None.

 

Youth Policy

Mr. Blunkett: To ask the Prime Minister what steps the Government takes to co-ordinate youth policy.

The Prime Minister: Matters affecting young people are dealt with by the Government Department which has the responsibility for the specific issue involved. Where policy matters involve a number of Departments’ interests, Government Departments work closely together.

 

Ministerial Travel

Mrs. Roche: To ask the Prime Minister how many overseas visits he has made as Prime Minister; and during how many of those visits he has undertaken fund-raising activities for the Conservative Party.

The Prime Minister: I have made 83 overseas visits as Prime Minister. Fund-raising activities for the Conservative Party are not part of my official duties.