PMQT Written Answers – 10 December 1996

Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 10th December 1996.

PRIME MINISTER:

Knighthoods

Mr. MacShane: To ask the Prime Minister how many knighthoods have been awarded to (a) Conservative and (b) Labour hon. Members in each year since November 1979.

The Prime Minister: One hundred and thirty Conservative and four Labour hon. members have received knighthoods since 1979. Successive leaders of the Labour party have refused to recommend awards for political services.

Engagements

Sir Peter Tapsell: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 10 December.

Mr. Harry Greenway: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 10 December.

The Prime Minister: This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in the House I shall be having further meetings later today.

Christmas Expenditure

Mr. Donohoe: To ask the Prime Minister how much will be spent on Christmas trees and decorations for his official residences at (a) Chequers and (b) Downing Street; how many Christmas trees will be bought for these two residences; and what are the types and county of origin of the trees.

The Prime Minister [holding answer 6 December 1996]: The British Christmas Tree Growers Association has donated one Christmas tree, and three others have been donated by the Chequers estate. Approximately £460 has been spent on decorations for Downing Street. Similar information for Chequers is a matter for the trustee’s.

Mr. Donohoe: To ask the Prime Minister how much his office plans to spend on celebrating Christmas and the new year.

The Prime Minister [holding answer 6 December 1996]: As far as I am aware, none.