The Rt. Hon. Sir John Major KG CH

Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 1990-1997

1995Prime Minister (1990-1997)

PMQT Written Answers – 11 December 1995

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Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 11th December 1995.

PRIME MINISTER:

 

Nuclear Materials (Exports)

Mr. Simpson: To ask the Prime Minister what changes have been made in the guideline for the export of nuclear materials, equipment and technology by the United Kingdom beyond the measures set out in his answer to the hon. Member for Leyton (Mr. Cohen) of 13 January 1993, Official Report, column 745.

The Prime Minister: The guidelines for the export of nuclear materials, equipment, and technology by the United Kingdom remain the same with one exception. The guidelines of the nuclear suppliers’ group, of which the UK is a member, will, in exceptional cases, allow such exports to non-nuclear weapon states without full scope safeguards agreements with the International Atomic Energy Authority, where they are deemed essential to the safe operation of existing facilities and if IAEA safeguards are applied to these facilities.

The NSG has also adopted guidelines for the transfer of nuclear-related dual-use material, equipment and technology. These exports are considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

Departmental Transfers

Mr. Salmond: To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has received concerning the transfer of (a) personnel and (b) responsibilities from Government Departments to Scotland; and what plans he has to make such a transfer.

The Prime Minister: I am not aware of any recent representations on this topic. My right hon. Friends the President of the Board of Trade and the Secretary of State for Scotland have, however, recently received representations from Grampian regional council and the City of Aberdeen district council about the scope for transferring to Aberdeen additional jobs in the Department of Trade and Industry’s oil and gas division. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Industry and Energy will be meeting representatives of the councils shortly to discuss this issue.

 

Princess of Wales

Mr. Mackinlay: To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to hold consultations with other Prime Ministers of those countries where Her Majesty the Queen is Head of State about the future role and duties of the Princess of Wales.

The Prime Minister: None.

Mr. Mackinlay: To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the future role and duties of the Princess of Wales.

The Prime Minister: I have nothing further to add to the statement I made on 9 December 1992, Official Report, column 845.

 

Nigeria

Mr. Madden: To ask the Prime Minister what action he has taken following the disclosure of normally confidential information to the media of information concerning the application by Mr. Abiodum Igbindu, for political asylum in the United Kingdom.

The Prime Minister [holding answer 8 December 1995]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Gateshead, East (Ms Quin) on 5 December, Official Report, column 136.