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 – 24 November 1994

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Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 24th November 1994.

PRIME MINISTER:

 

Ministers’ Conduct

Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Prime Minister what is the position of Her Majesty’s Government on inviting senior civil servants, such as the Cabinet Secretary, to sit with the Patronage Secretary to examine Ministers about their conduct.

The Prime Minister: From time to time, my right hon. Friend the Chief Whip and the Cabinet Secretary are asked to advise me on matters relating to the registration of Members’ interests and “Questions of Procedure for Ministers”. This may necessitate establishing the facts with the Ministers concerned.

 

Lockerbie

Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Prime Minister how many Government Departments are involved following up the Pan Am 103 crash over Lockerbie; and if he will identify their respective responsibilities.

The Prime Minister: The Crown Office is the lead department on matters relating to the prosecution of those suspected of the Lockerbie bombing. The Foreign and Commonwealth office is the lead Department for international aspects. These Departments consult others on issues for which they are responsible, as they arise.

 

Engagements

Mr. Harry Greenway: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 24 November.

Sir Peter Tapsell: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 24 November.

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.

 

Halsbury Statutes

Mr. Mackinlay: To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to review the Halsbury statutes of 1717 with a view to their repeal; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister: I am not aware of any statutes passed in 1717 which are both still in force and in need of repeal.

 

Ministers’ Pensions

Mr. Wilson: To ask the Prime Minister which Ministers in Her Majesty’s Government between 1986 and 1994 have had pension contributions paid by outside interests while they held ministerial office.

The Prime Minister: Pension arrangements are a personal matter for individual Ministers. However, they are expected to follow the guidance in paragraphs 128 134 of “Questions of Procedure for Ministers”.

 

Salary Increases

Mr. Winnick: To ask the Prime Minister if the Government will ask the Confederation of British Industry to request that salary increases for chief executives and chairmen of companies should not exceed the rate of inflation; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the right hon. Member for Sedgefield (Mr. Blair) on 22 November, Official Report, column 465.