The Rt. Hon. Sir John Major KG CH

Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 1990-1997

1994Prime Minister (1990-1997)

PMQT Written Answers – 24 January 1994

admin

Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 24th January 1994.

PRIME MINISTER:

 

Life-supporting Treatment

Mrs. Ann Winterton : To ask the Prime Minister if the letter of 22 December from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State on the withdrawal of life-supporting treatment following receipt of an advance directive from a patient represents the policy of Her Majesty’s Government; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister : My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health sought to explain the current legal position on advance directives.

Her Majesty’s Government acknowledge the right of individuals to draw up advance directives. People have a right, emphasised in the patients charter, to consent, or withhold consent, to treatment. Advance directives assist patients in the exercise of their legal rights and so ensure their lawful treatment.

The House of Lords Select Committee on Medical Ethics is examining this area, and is due to report soon. The Government will consider the Committee’s findings very carefully.

 

Downing Street Dinner

Mr. Mackinlay : To ask the Prime Minister if the invitations extended to political journalists to attend dinner at 10 Downing Street on 13 January stated that the proceedings would be on lobby terms.

The Prime Minister : It is not my practice to discuss the nature of invitations to private events.

 

Engagements

Mr. Pendry : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his engagements for Wednesday 19 January; and if he will name the individuals he met.

The Prime Minister : I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others.

 

Jetstream Aircraft Ltd.

Mr. Foulkes : To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has received personally on the future of Jetstream Aircraft Ltd.; what action he has taken; and if he will now agree to meet hon. Members with Ayrshire constituencies to discuss the aircraft.

The Prime Minister [holding answer 19 January 1994] : I have received representations from several hon. Members about Jetstream. The points raised are being pursued by the Departments responsible. Ministers at the DTI and I have discussed such matters with right hon. and hon. Members on a number of occasions. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Industry met a group of hon. Members to discuss Jetstream in November. I am generally willing to consider requests for meetings from hon. Members on departmental issues if and when they have exhausted contacts with the responsible Ministers.