PMQT Written Answers – 25 January 1996

Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 25th January 1996.

PRIME MINISTER:

Engagements

Sir Peter Tapsell: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 25 January.

Mr. Harry Greenway: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 25 January.

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.

Scott Inquiry

Mr. Robin Cook: To ask the Prime Minister if officials in (a) his private office and (b) the Cabinet Office have used copies of draft sections of Sir Richard Scott’s report to prepare the Government’s response to Sir Richard’s report.

The Prime Minister: No decision about the response to Sir Richard Scott’s report will be taken until the report has been received.

In considering issues relating to the Scott inquiry all Departments naturally take account of material properly available to them.

Mr. Cook: To ask the Prime Minister if copies of draft sections of Sir Richard Scott’s report are in (a) his possession and (b) the possession of officials in the Cabinet Office other than those to whom draft sections of the report were sent by Sir Richard Scott.

The Prime Minister: In forwarding draft sections of Sir Richard Scott’s report to Ministers and officials the inquiry expressly stated that individuals could at their discretion make a copy for legal or other advisers and another for the Department concerned. Whether they did so is entirely a matter for the individuals concerned.

Hafey Dalkamouni

Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Prime Minister if he will discuss with Chancellor Kohl the proposed release of Hafey Dalkamouni.

The Prime Minister: I have no plans to do so.