PMQT Written Answers – 18 December 1990

The text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 18th December 1990.

PRIME MINISTER:

Engagements

Mr. Harry Greenway : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for 18 December.

The Prime Minister : This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in the House, I shall be having further meetings later today. This evening I hope to have an audience of Her Majesty the Queen.

Sea Birds

Mr. Wallace : To ask the Prime Minister what proposals Her Majesty’s Government have to protect the feeding grounds of breeding sea birds in United Kingdom waters under European Economic Community directive 79/49 on the conservation of wild birds; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister : The Government’s scientific adviser, the Nature Conservancy Council, is in the process of identifying the most important sea bird and gathering grounds in United Kingdom waters. It has published survey results for the North sea and the west of Britain. The final phase, now under way, will cover the English channel and south-west approaches. The Department of the Environment will consider the most appropriate measures to safeguard these areas when the NCC has completed its studies and has advised the Department accordingly.

Military Hospitals

Mr. Nellist : To ask the Prime Minister if, pursuant to his reply, 10 December, Official Report, column 261, he will publish the number of beds, or bed spaces, at each of the military hospitals referred to.

The Prime Minister : These hospitals are equipped, manned and financed by the United States Government, to whom all inquiries should be directed.