PMQT Written Answers – 24 March 1993

Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 24th March 1993.

PRIME MINISTER:

Government Hospitality Fund

Mr. Austin Mitchell : To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer, of 9 March, Official Report, column 517, if he will list the number and names of outside contractors used by the Government hospitality fund for official functions; how many and which caterers were used at official functions other than those arranged by the Government hospitality fund; and, in each case, whether the contract was put out to tender.

The Prime Minister : There are three caterers (Crown Catering Group, Leiths Good Food and Ring and Brymer) employed by the Government hospitality fund for functions at 10 Downing Street. Only one caterer (Lady Blennerhassett) is employed for official functions other than those arranged by the Government hospitality fund. For every GHF function at 10 Downing Street, quotations are called for from the approved caterers.

Royal Prerogative

Mr. Mackinlay : To ask the Prime Minister which clauses of the European Communities (Amendment) Bill affect the royal prerogative; and if he will list the extent to which each of those clauses limits the current extent of the royal prerogative.

The Prime Minister [holding answer 22 March 1993] : As appears from the Order Paper, the Queen’s consent to the Bill is to be signified on Third Reading. Her Majesty’s consent has been sought because of clause 2 of the European Communities (Amendment) Bill. That clause limits the exercise of the royal prerogative in foreign affairs by preventing the United Kingdom from moving to the third stage of economic and monetary union until the move has been approved by Act of Parliament.