The Rt. Hon. Sir John Major KG CH

Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 1990-1997

1991Prime Minister (1990-1997)

PMQT Written Answers – 15 April 1991

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Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 15th April 1991.

PRIME MINISTER:

 

Iraq

Mr. Dalyell : To ask the Prime Minister what representations Her Majesty’s Government have received from international doctors about disease in Iraq.

The Prime Minister : We have received a number of reports about conditions in Iraq, notably that of United Nations Under Secretary-General Ahtisaari. We have announced a pledge of £20 million to be spent partly bilaterally and multilaterally to alleviate the human tragedy provoked by Saddam Hussein. We are also funding daily airlifts to the refugees at a cost of £1 million per week. These contributions are in addition to earlier substantial pledges to the International Committee of the Red Cross and United Nation agencies’ appeals.

 

Chile

Mr. Wray : To ask the Prime Minister if, during the official visit of the President of Chile, the Government will offer improved terms of trade for Chilean exports, and increased transfer of technology and financial support for his programmes.

The Prime Minister : Chile will benefit from any market access concessions negotiated with the European Community during the GATT round. We increased our bilateral technical co-operation funds for Chile following the accession of President Aylwin’s Government and are presently discussing a number of projects.

President Aylwin’s visit will lead to closer links between Britain and Chile. I was able to pay tribute to the President’s achievement in restoring and consolidating democracy.

 

Nuclear Weapons

Mr. Allen : To ask the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to use nuclear weapons first in response to a conventional attack.

The Prime Minister : The 1990 NATO London declaration made clear that, while NATO will never in any circumstances be the first to use force, nuclear weapons will continue to fulfil an essential role in the overall strategy of the alliance to prevent war by ensuring that there are no circumstances in which nuclear retaliation in response to military action might be discounted.

 

Migrant Workers

Mr. Flynn : To ask the Prime Minister what is Her Majesty’s Government’s policy towards ratification of the new international convention on the protection of the rights of all migrant workers and their families.

The Prime Minister : The United Kingdom does not intend to ratify the convention on the protection of migrant workers and their families.

 

Vehicle Theft

Mr. Cohen : To ask the Prime Minister if he will set up a joint working party of the Home Office and Department of Transport to investigate the possibility of designing cars to be more resistant to theft.

The Prime Minister : The Home Office and Department of Transport have investigated ways in which the security of cars could be improved and discussions are in progress between these Departments, and with the motor manufacturers, on how best their findings and recommendations may be implemented. Home Office crime prevention publicity, particularly during crime prevention week this week, aims to increase awareness of the need for effective car security measures. My right Friend the Home Secretary published today a car theft index which allows owners to see which models are particularly subject to theft.