PMQT Written Answers – 29 January 1991

Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 29th January 1991.

PRIME MINISTER:

Engagements

Mr. Harry Greenway : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for 29 January.

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.

Gulf War

Mr. Latham : To ask the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on the current situation in the Gulf.

The Prime Minister : The allied air campaign is proceeding satisfactorily and continues to erode Iraq’s military capability. The effectiveness of the campaign so far is amply demonstrated by the very few and unsuccessful deployments of the Iraqi air forces, but there is still some way to go before our aim of implementing United Nations Security Council resolutions can be achieved. We condemn Iraq’s use of missiles in indiscriminate attacks against civilian populations in Israel and Saudi Arabia. We also deplore Iraq’s wanton destruction of the environment of the middle east by deliberately pumping oil into the Gulf.

Mr. Sillars : To ask the Prime Minister what co-ordination and consultation arrangements exist between allied Governments to ensure political control of the military forces engaged in the Gulf war.

The Prime Minister : The aims of the coalition forces are those laid down by the United Nations Security Council. Military forces in the coalition remain under the ultimate control of their national governments who are maintaining close contact with each other.