The Rt. Hon. Sir John Major KG CH

Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 1990-1997

1993Prime Minister (1990-1997)

PMQT Written Answers – 8 March 1993

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Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 8th March 1993.

PRIME MINISTER:

 

Family Perspective and Life Cycle

Mr. Peter Bottomley : To ask the Prime Minister how the Government co-ordinate the way Departments put the family perspective and the life cycle into social and economic policy.

The Prime Minister : The family is central to social and economic policy. The implications for the family are fully considered by each Department in developing and operating its policies. Where policies cross the boundaries of departmental responsibility, these matters are discussed either directly between Departments or through specific inter-departmental groups and committees.

 

Privatised Companies

Mr. Gordon Prentice : To ask the Prime Minister whether he will amend “Questions of Procedure for Ministers” so as to advise Ministers responsible for future privatisations that they should not subsequently accept paid positions on the boards of the privatised companies.

The Prime Minister : No. Such guidance is neither necessary nor appropriate. Former Ministers should make their own judgments about potential conflicts of interest, as other Members of Parliament do.

 

Lord Lieutenants and High Sheriffs

Mr. Flynn : To ask the Prime Minister what are the qualifications for nomination as lord lieutenant or high sheriff.

The Prime Minister : The only formal qualification required of lord lieutenants and high sheriffs is that the latter must own land in the county in which they are to hold office, but by custom both lord lieutenants and high sheriffs are expected to be based in their counties.

 

Pit Closures

Mr. Tipping : To ask the Prime Minister what steps he has taken to ensure that a co-ordinated response is made to areas where collieries are under threat of closure.

The Prime Minister : Lord Walker has been appointed to co-ordinate the regeneration effort in areas under threat of colliery closures. In all areas arrangements are in place to pull together the efforts of all relevant bodies : these include Government Departments, English Estates, training and enterprise councils, British Coal Enterprise, regional development organisations and local authorities.

 

Full Employment

Mr. Soley : To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer of 2 March, Official Report, column 138, if he will define the full employment that he seeks to achieve.

The Prime Minister : The Government pursue policies designed to achieve high levels of employment, consistent with low inflation. Measures to make the labour market competitive, flexible and efficient are an essential part of this.