PMQT Written Answers – 20 May 1991

Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 20th May 1991.

PRIME MINISTER:

European Monetary Union

Mr. Flynn : To ask the Prime Minister what is Her Majesty’s Government’s policy towards the recent proposals by the President of the European Commission for a delayed consideration of entry into European monetary union.

The Prime Minister : As my right hon. Friend the Chancellor told the House on 24 January, we cannot accept any changes to the treaty of Rome that would bind us to move to a single currency or a single monetary policy without a separate decision by the United Kingdom Government and Parliament. The suggestion made at the informal ECOFIN on 12 May is a step in the right direction. But there remain many issues to be discussed in the economic and monetary union intergovernmental conference before a final agreement can be reached.

International Arms Transfers

Mr. Flynn : To ask the Prime Minister if he will seek a debate on the United Nations on the United Nations Publication, “Topical Paper 3– Transparency in International Arms Transfers”.

The Prime Minister : We are in favour of greater transparency in international arms transfers. On 8 April I proposed the establishment of a United Nations register of arms sales. We are discussing this with members of the Security Council, the Twelve and others. We fully expect it to be the subject of debate at the next general assembly.

Special Forces

Mr. Menzies Campbell : To ask the Prime Minister if it has now become the policy of Her Majesty’s Government to reveal details of the operations of United Kingdom special forces.

The Prime Minister : I have nothing further to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Dalyell) on 17 May 1991 at column 281.