PMQT Written Answers – 14 June 1995
Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 14th June 1995.
PRIME MINISTER:
Parliamentary Questions
Mr. McMaster: To ask the Prime Minister how many written parliamentary questions were tabled for answer by his Department in each of the past five years; how many of these were not answered because the information (a) could be obtained only at disproportionate cost, (b) was not held centrally and (c) was not normally disclosed; how many of these could now be answered due to computerisation, more effective and efficient operational systems or more open government; and if he will list each question along with the name and constituency of the right hon. or hon. Member who originally tabled it.
The Prime Minister: The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Public Appointments
Mr. McMaster: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the appointments which he is specifically required and/or able to make by virtue of his office; and if he will list those appointments which arise during the next 12 months; and if he will list the name, age, expected time commitment, place of residence, current or previous occupation and salary, honorarium, allowance or payment for each post; and if he will make a statement.
The Prime Minister: A list of the appointments to public bodies which I am able to make as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury is available in the Library of the House. It is not possible to know all those appointments which will arise in the next 12 months. The details requested for each post are not available.
Director General of Gas Supply
Dr. Spink: To ask the Prime Minister what action he intends to take to resist excessive pay demands from those who serve the public; and if he will make a statement on the recent pay claim from the Director General of Ofgas.
The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend, the President of the Board of Trade to the hon. Member for Rugby and Kenilworth (Mr. Pawsey) on 13 June, Official Report, columns 451-52.
Government Property
Mrs. Roche: To ask the Prime Minister how many houses and flats are owned by Government departments; and how many of these are currently empty.
The Prime Minister [holding answer 13 June 1995]: Up-to-date information is being calculated and will be published by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment in due course.
Scott Report
Mr. Byers: To ask the Prime Minister which Ministers, former Ministers or civil servants have sought independent legal advice in assisting their response to draft extracts from Sir Richard Scott’s report; in each case from whom the advice has been sought; and what limit has been placed on payment for such advice from public funds.
The Prime Minister [holding answer 13 June 1995]: Sir Richard Scott has requested that all those in receipt of extracts from his draft report should hold this material in confidence. The Government are not aware of the identity of all the recipients and, in accordance with the vice-chancellor’s request, would not consider it right to disclose the identity of those recipients of whom it is aware.
Apart from legal advice from departmental lawyers, legal services have been provided to witnesses to the inquiry by the Treasury Solicitor’s department and by external lawyers. In each case their costs are subject to the approval of the legal advisers to the Departments who are responsible for payment.