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 – 2 December 1994

admin

Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 2nd December 1994.

PRIME MINISTER:

 

Nuclear Proliferation

Mr. Llew Smith: To ask the Prime Minister what matters in regard to nuclear proliferation were discussed during his meeting with his Pakistani counterpart on 28 November.

The Prime Minister: Non-proliferation was not raised in my meeting, but my right hon. Friend, the Foreign Secretary, discussed non- proliferation in south Asia with the Pakistani Prime Minister when he called on her on 30 November 1994.

 

Honours System

Dr. Wright: To ask the Prime Minister upon what grounds the grant of an honour may be withdrawn; and in which cases this has happened since 1979.

The Prime Minister: The statutes of most orders of knighthood and the royal warrants of decorations and medals include provision for the Queen to “cancel and annul” appointments and awards. Cancellation is considered in cases where retention of the appointment or award would bring the honours system into disrepute. There are no set guidelines for cancellations, which are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Since 1979, the London Gazette has published details of cancellations of 15 appointments and awards–three knighthoods, one CBE, five OBEs, four MBEs and two BEMs.

Dr. Wright: To ask the Prime Minister how many Conservative hon. Members have received knighthoods since 1979.

The Prime Minister: One hundred and fifteen Conservative hon. Members have received knighthoods since 1979.

 

Former Ministers

Dr. Wright: To ask the Prime Minister which rules cover former Ministers who wish to take appointments in the private sector; and what plans he has to reconsider such rules.

The Prime Minister: Guidance is contained in paragraph 105 of “Question of Procedure for Ministers”. This matter is within the terms of reference of the Nolan committee and I will consider the guidance in the light of any recommendations that it may make.

 

Lockerbie

Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Prime Minister what documentary evidence is available to Her Majesty’s Government to support the belief that the bomb which destroyed Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie was dispatched from Luqa airport, Malta.

The Prime Minister: My noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate is satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to establish the allegations made in the criminal charges against the two Libyans accused, which include the allegation that the bomb was introduced on to an aircraft at Luqa airport, Malta. However, he cannot give details of that evidence while criminal proceedings are pending.