The Rt. Hon. Sir John Major KG CH

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  • PMQT Written Answers – 14 April 1994

    Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 14th April 1994.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    Meigle

    Q7. Mr. Bill Walker : To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to visit Meigle.

    The Prime Minister : I have no immediate plans to do so.

     

    Aberdeen

    Q9. Mr. Raymond S. Robertson : To ask the Prime Minister if he has any plans to visit Aberdeen in the near future.

    The Prime Minister : I have no immediate plans to do so.

     

    Engagements

    Mr. Harry Greenway : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 14 April.

    Sir Peter Tapsell : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 14 April.

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

     

    Kashmir

    Mr. Cox : To ask the Prime Minister if he was able to clarify, in his recent discussions with the Indian Prime Minister, whether the Indian National Commission on Human Rights will be able to look at the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir; and if he will make a statement.

    The Prime Minister : I discussed the Indian Human Rights Commission in general terms with the Indian Prime Minister during our meeting on 14 March. We have welcomed the Commission’s decision to conduct its first investigation into the incident at Bijbehara in Kashmir in October. Its report is due to be published on 17 April.

  • PMQT – 14 April 1994

    Below is the text of Prime Minister’s Question Time from 14th April 1994.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    Engagements

    Q1. Mr. Duncan Smith : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 14 April.

    The Prime Minister (Mr. John Major) : This morning, I presided at a meeting of the Cabinet and had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in the House, I shall be having further meetings later today.

    Mr. Duncan Smith : Is my right hon. Friend aware that my socialist-controlled council of Waltham Forest, which is now being investigated by the ombudsman for malpractice, set a council tax for band D of £587, supported by the Liberal party, whereas the Conservative group would have set one of more than £100 less? Does not that demonstrate clearly, first, that people pay in bands, not averages, secondly, that Conservative councils would cost people less and…

    Madam Speaker : Order. I am determined that this should be Question Time, not speech time. I therefore appeal to all hon. Members for brisk questions and answers.

    The Prime Minister : Well, my hon. Friend is quite right. Whatever bands they may be concerned with, council tax payers will pay more under Labour and Liberal authorities than they would under any Conservative authority. I am sure that voters will note that on 5 May.

    Mrs. Beckett : Is not it a scandal that, because of the changes that the Government have made in the health service, elderly people are being denied the right to hospital treatment on the ground of their age?

    The Prime Minister : The right hon. Lady is either ill-informed or scaremongering. As my right hon. Friend the Minister for Health said this morning, the reports to which the right hon. Lady refers, no doubt from this morning’s “Today” programme, are wholly irresponsible. Neither patient in the BBC report had been refused treatment; both had been offered better options. It is utterly wrong of the right hon. Lady to raise the matter in that manner and to continue to cause needless anxiety to millions of people.

    Mrs. Beckett : What is scaring people is not what we are saying but what the Government are doing with the health service. The Prime Minister should know that people are being refused treatment because of what the British Medical Association calls the “undeniable fact” that there is now a two-tier health service. The GP of one of the people to whom the Prime Minister referred said :

    “Since contracts were introduced, this kind of predicament arises all the time.”

    What is that but a two-tier health service?

    The Prime Minister : Despite the fact that the right hon. Lady has peddled an untruth and continues to do so, there is no policy

    Hon. Members : Withdraw.

    Madam Speaker : Order. I am sure that the Prime Minister will reflect and I hope that he will withdraw that last remark.

    The Prime Minister : Despite the fact– [Interruption.]

    Madam Speaker : Order. I will have order in this House.

    The Prime Minister : Despite the fact that what the right hon. Lady says is inaccurate and she has just been told so again– [Interruption.]

    Madam Speaker : Order. I do wish that the House would listen to the comments that are being made and not make such a row. I have asked the Prime Minister politely to reflect and I hope that he will withdraw what he said. [Interruption.] Order. I am sure that if the House were to listen, it would hear him do that.

    The Prime Minister : The right hon. Lady is aware, from what I said a few moments ago, that in both cases she has misled the House. [Hon. Members :– “Withdraw.”] In neither instance was treatment withheld from those patients. In both instances, they were offered better treatment. I hope that the right hon. Lady will now withdraw the imputation of a few moments ago.

    Hon. Members : Withdraw.

    Mrs. Beckett : I am not aware that I have misled the House. Indeed, there is a letter from one of the hospitals concerned apologising for the way in which the patient in question was treated. That does not sound to me like something which did not happen. I ask the Prime Minister : why will he and his colleagues not recognise reality? Elderly people are being clobbered by VAT on their gas and electricity and when they are ill they are being refused treatment in hospital. What has the Prime Minister got against the elderly?

    The Prime Minister : The fact that the right hon. Lady changed tack shows most clearly that she knows that she is wrong. Once again, the Labour party is needlessly alarming people, precisely as it did before the election by claiming that we would privatise the national health service. The Labour party will use any scare, at any time, for any reason, providing it believes that it will help its own party-political ambitions.

    Mr. Robathan : What action will my right hon. Friend take to ensure that taxpayers’ money is not wasted on ludicrous pay-outs to former service women who joined the armed forces on the understanding that they would be obliged to leave should they become pregnant?

    The Prime Minister : I am not aware of the particular case to which my hon. Friend refers, but, as he has raised the matter, I will ask my right and learned hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence to examine it and report to me about it.

     

    Q2. Mr. Turner : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 14 April.

    The Prime Minister : I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave some moments ago.

    Mr. Turner : Does the Prime Minister have any plans to visit Wolverhampton in the near future? If he has, I am sad to have to tell him that the good folk of Wolverhampton are completely brassed off with his Government’s policies and, I am sad to say, with him. I have to ask the Prime Minister whether, if the local elections go badly for him, he will do the noble thing with his Government and resign.

    The Prime Minister : I know that the hon. Gentleman would want his constituents to know the truth about matters, so perhaps he might mention to them that, under this Government and the last few years of my predecessor’s Government, unemployment in his constituency fell by 23 per cent. Perhaps he could tell his constituents that. Perhaps he could tell them that there is now no one waiting for more than two years for health service treatment as there once was. Perhaps he could tell them about the extra millions of pounds allocated to the health authority to help reduce waiting lists. Perhaps if the hon. Gentleman carried some of those messages to his constituents in Wolverhampton at the next election he would no longer be here.

    Mr. Hawkins : Does my right hon. Friend agree with me that the Labour party, where it is in office in local government, is to be judged on its record? Will he also agree with me that Manchester, under socialism, now owes nearly as much as El Salvador–a country which has been ravaged by 10 years of civil war?

    The Prime Minister : If the Labour party in local government is judged on its record it will not be in power any longer in local government.

     

    Q3. Mr. Keen : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 14 April.

    The Prime Minister : I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave some moments ago.

    Mr. Keen : Is the Prime Minister not ashamed to appear to take so lightly the accusations that, in this year when we are specially remembering those who gave so much 50 years ago in the last war, because of the Government health reforms the people who made those sacrifices are now being denied the treatment that they so desperately need?

    The Prime Minister : What the hon. Gentleman says is wrong. Perhaps he might reflect that, although the elderly population has risen in numbers in England and Wales by about 9 per cent. since 1979, expenditure on elderly people has risen by approximately 40 per cent. over the same period. That is to accommodate the fact that more treatments are now available, better treatments are now available, waiting times are shorter and no one is denied proper treatment at any stage in the national health service.

     

    Q4. Mr. David Evans : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 14 April.

    The Prime Minister : I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave some moments ago.

    Mr. Evans : Is my right hon. Friend aware that Janice takes quite a lot of interest in this place and she would like to know whether it was a Conservative party that won the last four general elections, with a record 14 million votes in the last election? Could he also tell Janice whether it was a Conservative Government who imposed a higher rate of tax in 1978? Was it 40p? [Hon. Members :– “No.”] Was it 60p ? [Hon. Members :– “No.”] Was it 70p ? [Hon. Members :– “No.”] Was it 90p ? [Hon. Members :– “No.”] Was it 98p? [Hon. Members :– “Yes.”] And if it was not a Conservative Government, was it that lot opposite ?

    Hon. Members : Yes.

    The Prime Minister : I believe that the answer is yes, and I think that my hon. Friend can safely tell Janice that.

    Ms Glenda Jackson : Is the Prime Minister aware that the chief executive of the Royal Free hospital trust in my constituency today issued a statement apologising for the fact that, as a result of the Government’s obscene internal market policies, a 70-year-old man was denied treatment at that hospital? Is he inferring that the chief executive of the Royal Free is attempting to mislead the House and the country and is scaremongering?

    The Prime Minister : Perhaps the hon. Lady would like to tell the House how many more patients the Royal Free has treated since the health service reforms. Perhaps she would like to do that and stop mis-stating matters.

     

    Q5. Mr. Gallie : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 14 April.

    The Prime Minister : I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave some moments ago.

    Mr. Gallie : Does my right hon. Friend recall the words of doom, gloom and condemnation–the words of the right hon. and learned Member for Monklands, East (Mr. Smith)–at the time of the Leyland DAF collapse a year or two ago? Is my right hon. Friend aware of the successful rebirth of the activities previously undertaken by that company? Is he aware of the considerable increase in axle sales from Scottish Stampings in my constituency of Ayr as a consequence?

    The Prime Minister : I am aware of that and I think that it is extremely encouraging. It is part of what I believe to be a bright future for the Scottish economy. Equally, it shows how right we were to resist the demands from all the Opposition parties to spend extra money on Leyland DAF. They still have the same old interventionist, corporatist, 1960s policies. Leyland DAF has done far better without the sort of help that they would have forced down its throat.

    Mr. Mullin : Has the Prime Minister had a chance to read yesterday’s report of the Select Committee on Home Affairs on the funding of political parties, particularly the minority report that starts on page 38? Is No. 10 Downing street still being used for Tory party fund-raising dinners? If so, is not that a misuse of public property?

    The Prime Minister : I use Downing street to meet business men in the same way as the Labour party used Downing street to meet the trade unions.

     

    Ministerial Visits

    Q6. Mr. Heald : To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to visit north Hertfordshire.

    The Prime Minister : I have no immediate plans to do so.

    Mr. Heald : Will my right hon. Friend join me in congratulating Letchworth Garden City on its 90th anniversary, which is currently being celebrated with a musical extravaganza called “Why Aren’t We All Dancing?”? Does he agree that, with unemployment down by 13 per cent. in the last year, with house prices up by 4 per cent. and with a council tax half that of the neighbouring Labour-controlled Stevenage borough council, people in Letchworth and north Hertfordshire have every reason to be dancing–dancing on the Labour party in May and June?

    The Prime Minister : My hon. Friend makes a compelling case, and I have no doubt that that is what local people will do on 5 May.

  • PMQT Written Answers – 13 April 1994

    Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 13th April 1994.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    Child Migrants

    Mr. Hinchliffe : To ask the Prime Minister if he will now meet representatives of the Child Migrant Trust to discuss the British child migrants scheme and Government policy towards former child migrants.

    The Prime Minister : The Government’s policy towards former child migrants was debated in the Adjournment debate initiated by the hon. Member on 22 November 1993, Official Report, columns 301-8.

    Mr. Hinchliffe : To ask the Prime Minister which Government Departments hold personal files relating to individual child migrants and their families.

    The Prime Minister : The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health, my hon. Friend the Member for Battersea (Mr. Bowis), gave details of the policy files held by the Department of Health and the Public Record Office in the Adjournment debate on 22 November 1993, Official Report, columns 305-6. No Government Department holds personal files relating to individual child migrants and their families.

     

    Voluntary Bodies

    Sir Jim Spicer : To ask the Prime Minister what was the total amount paid in grants by central Government Departments to voluntary bodies in the financial year 1992-93; and if he will make a statement.

    The Prime Minister : Central Government funding of voluntary organisations in 1992-93 amounted to £3,925 million. Of this, £3,362 million was payments to housing associations and £563 million went directly to voluntary organisations to support the provision of services and a wide range of activities and projects. The latter figure shows that Government funding of the voluntary sector increased in cash terms by 15 per cent. and in real terms by 11 per cent. over the level of provision in 1991-92–£490 million. Between 1979-80 and 1992-93, the level of Government support for voluntary bodies has risen by 172 per cent. in real terms.

    The amount spent under individual departmental programmes in 1992-93 was as follows :

    |£

    ———————————————————————————————–

    Agriculture, Fisheries and Food |209,248

    Defence |16,555,426

    Education |7,337,719

    Employment

    Direct grants |35,452,818

    Equal Opportunities Commission |22,000

    Environment (including Energy Efficiency Office)

    Direct grants |25,542,597

    Urban programme |51,700,000

    Housing corporations |2,862,000,000

    Countryside Commission |1,242,000

    English Nature |621,000

    Rural Development Commission |4,595,000

    Derelict land grant |317,000

    Foreign and Commonwealth Office |2,697,820

    Overseas Development Administration |147,426,026

    Health

    Direct grants |52,138,716

    Health Education Authority |2,450,755

    Home Office

    Direct grants |50,596,492

    Commission for Racial Equality |702,539

    National Heritage

    Direct grants |566,808

    Sports Council |14,535,000

    Northern Ireland Office

    Direct grants |18,455,323

    Housing associations and societies |57,404,589

    Sports Council for Northern Ireland |658,037

    Youth Council for Northern Ireland 1,357,803

    Scottish Office

    Direct grants |25,674,985

    Urban programme |46,618,000

    Housing associations |260,000,000

    Scottish National Heritage |1,360,000

    Highland and Islands Enterprise |1,000,000

    Sports Council for Scotland |1,527,694

    Social Security |14,094,810

    Trade and Industry |13,303,996

    Transport |509,615

    Welsh Office

    Direct grants |12,007,481

    Urban programme |5,110,000

    Joint finance |274,535

    Development Board for Rural Wales |470,510

    Housing for Wales (Tai Cymru) – grants to housing associations |182,323,223

    Sports Council for Wales and Play Wales Management Committee

    Grand Total |3,924,946,565

    I am placing in the Library of the House a list of voluntary bodies funded by the Government in 1992-93, other than those funded under housing programmes and the urban programme or via non-departmental public bodies.

     

    Ex-service Men

    Mr. Morgan : To ask the Prime Minister what consultations he has had with ex-service men’s organisations regarding the proposed participation of former axis powers ex-service men’s representatives at the 1995 50th anniversary commemorations of the ending of world war II or Remembrance day parades; and if he will make a statement.

    The Prime Minister [holding answer 31 March 1994] : The commemorations of the 50th anniversary of the end of world war II will include a service in St. Paul’s cathedral, a parade in central London, a lunch or dinner for visiting Heads of State and a number of other events throughout the country. Peace and reconciliation will feature strongly in themes for these events.

    The Ministry of Defence is leading the planning for the Government, but, at this early stage, no decision on the nature of the parade has been taken. The Ministry of Defence will consult a variety of appropriate organisations, including veterans’ associations in the United Kingdom, over the content of the commemorations before final decisions are taken.

    There are, however, no plans for veterans’ representatives from former axis powers to take part.

  • Mr Major’s Speech on the D-Day Civilian Launch – 13 April 1994

    Below is the text of Mr Major’s speech on the D-Day Civilian Launch, made in London on Wednesday 13th April 1994.

    PRIME MINISTER:

    Your Grace, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen. I am delighted to be here this afternoon and even more delighted to see that you are here.

    June 6th 1944, by any reckoning I think one of the most memorable dates in history, a date that not only changed the course of the Second World War but in so doing it changed our future here in this country and the future of Europe and probably the future of the rest of the world as well. Those allied landings on the beaches of Normandy laid the foundation for the peaceful and the free Europe which today we increasingly take for granted.

    I make that point at the outset for this particular reason, because the 50th anniversary of D-Day is a huge national event and I intend that it be commemorated on a national scale, and above all in these celebrations and commemorations in the weeks and months ahead we need above all to remember the bravery and the sacrifice of those who fought in the campaign itself, and I am delighted and privileged today to welcome representatives of many of those who took part in the allied landings on that occasion.

    But of course not only them, because I think we should also remember the immense effort made by the whole civilian population, in the factories, in the fields, throughout the whole country the support, the build-up for D-Day and the events that were to follow D-Day. It was by any reckoning a remarkable national effort and the legacy of that effort of D–Day is peace, security and freedom for successive generations. And I hope during the next few weeks that people of all ages all across the United Kingdom will participate in a national thanksgiving.

    Over the next three months we will have an opportunity to give thanks for the D-Day legacy, for our way of life, for democracy, for free speech, for peace in Europe and for all the freedoms that we enjoy. So far something over 500 events have already been planned all over the United Kingdom and those events will run from now on, through D-Day itself and right into the summer, they will cover the whole period of Operation Overlord. More events are being added to that list almost every day, they range in size and scale from events involving 50,000 people running over several days to small simple, but no less important, events involving only dozens of people. But whatever the size and nature of the event it is being planned with the same pride and the same care.

    Behind me you will see over here a map illustrating where some of these events are taking place, culminating in London in July with a great family day in Hyde Park. Many hundreds of companies, voluntary organisations, national newspapers and broadcasters are contributing each in their own way to this programme. For one example perhaps amongst many, one newspaper – The Sun – is promoting street parties on Saturday 4th June all over the country. And those parties, so reminiscent I imagine of the war time spirit, will give neighbourhoods and local communities a marvellous opportunity to enjoy themselves but also to remember and be grateful.

    The churches too will be playing a key part in involving people. There will be services of thanksgiving in parishes up and down the country on Sunday 5th June and in churches of all denominations. Peels of bells will be rung on that Sunday in parishes right across the land as another evocative and poignant gesture of remembrance.

    I was determined from the start that these commemorations should reach out and touch all generations and especially the children of this country. And I wanted it to do that so that they would understand the part, the vitally important part, that D-Day played in the tapestry of our nation. I would like them to have, by what happens this summer, some sense of the great event itself, a sense that what is being commemorated is not just something static in the pages of a history book but something real, remarkable and of continuing relevance to all of us. Information packs on D-Day are going out to all primary and secondary schools and many schools are getting involved in special projects and events related to the commemorations.

    Let me just turn finally to the gardens of Grosvenor Square. They are filled with links to our partners in the D-Day enterprise, the memorials need not be mentioned but are all around us, and it is in every way a truly fitting site for a permanent D-Day Garden of Thanksgiving to all the allies who fought together to bring freedom back to Europe.

    Behind me, to my right, you will see an artist’s impression of the Grosvenor Square gardens re-landscaped as a D-Day garden of thanksgiving. I have no doubt whatsoever that it will be a beautiful peaceful haven to which people can come and find tranquility. And as they do perhaps they will cast their minds back to June 1944, perhaps they may even remember the personal message from General Montgomery which was read to the troops on the eve of D-Day. Let me remind you of what he said:

    “To us is given the honour of striking a blow for freedom which will live in history and in the better days that lie ahead men will speak with pride of our doings”.

    Well so we do and so we should and this spring and this summer that thread of pride will run right the way through our whole D-Day programme.

    I have this afternoon a very simple task. I simply have to unveil over there a stone which bears as its inscription the theme of our celebrations. The inscription I think is very apt, the inscription simply reads: “The nation gives thanks”. I believe that accurately reflects the mood of our celebrations and I believe it accurately reflects the debt that we owe to those people, who, many of them giving their lives, many others taking great risks, fought at that time not just for their own generation but for my generation and successive generations and did so with immense heroism and bravery and were successful.

    So I look forward to unveiling the stone and to the celebrations that will follow.

  • PMQT Written Answers – 12 April 1994

    Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 12th April 1994.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    Birmingham

    Q8. Mr. Corbett : To ask the Prime Minister when he next plans to visit the city of Birmingham.

    The Prime Minister : As part of my programme of regional tours to all parts of the country I had the pleasure of visiting Birmingham only yesterday.

     

    Efficiency Unit

    Mr. Gordon Prentice : To ask the Prime Minister how many hours per week his adviser on efficiency spends on matters (a) relating to work of the Efficiency Unit and (b) relating to competition and purchasing.

    The Prime Minister : The time my adviser devotes to matters relating to efficiency scrutinies on the one hand and competition and purchasing on the other, and the split between the two, depends on the matters which arise or are referred to him for advice.

     

    European Community Treaties (Veto)

    Mr. Spearing : To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer following his statement on 29 March, Official Report, column 806, if he will list each of the extant treaties of the European Community and cite the relevant articles therein that provide Her Majesty’s Government with veto powers other than those linked to the Luxembourg declaration.

    The Prime Minister : The United Kingdom effectively has a veto in areas where decisions are taken by unanimity. Unanimity applies under the following articles of the treaty of Rome, as amended by subsequent treaties :

    Article

    ——————————————————

    8a | 99 |1091.5 |157 |198b

    8b | 100 | 121 |159 |201

    8e | 100c | 128 |165 |209

    14.7 | 103a.1 | 130 |166 |217

    51 | 103a.2 | 130b |168a.2 |223

    57.2 | 104c.14| 130d |168a.4 |227

    70 | 105.6 | 130i |188 |228.2

    73c(2) | 106.5 | 130o |188b |235

    75.3 | 109.1 | 130s |189a | –

    76 | 109f.7 | 136 |194 | –

    93.2 | 109l.4 | 145 |198a | –

     

    Kashmir

    Mr. Cox : To ask the Prime Minister what requests he has made in his recent discussions with the Indian Prime Minister for an all-party delegation of hon. Members to be allowed to visit the Indian-administered area of Kashmir; and if he will make a statement.

    The Prime Minister : I discussed the issue of access to Kashmir in general terms with the Indian Prime Minister when I met him on 14 March. I welcome the recent visit to Kashmir by some United Kingdom parliamentarians. We have frequently urged the Indian Government to allow visits by independent observers and human rights groups to Kashmir.

     

    Darwin Initiative

    Mr. Dalyell : To ask the Prime Minister what proportion of the funds so far allocated as part of his Darwin initiative meet the recommendation of his advisory committee that projects are carried out in co-operation with local people.

    The Prime Minister : There are currently 53 projects being funded under the Darwin initiative in almost 40 countries. All the projects involve collaboration with local universities and institutions, conservation organisations or individuals.

     

    Lockerbie Air Crash

    Mr. Dalyell : To ask the Prime Minister what is the basis of evidence available to Her Majesty’s Government in relation to alleged Libyan involvement in the destruction of Pan Am 103, which has provided the foundation on which the Secretary of State for Scotland has initiated legal action against the insurers of Pan Am in relation to alleged negligence at the Rhein-Main airport in Frankfurt.

    The Prime Minister : The civil action is against Pan American World Airways Inc. for damage to the A74 at Lockerbie caused by the destruction of its aircraft. The action is concerned with alleged negligence by Pan American World Airways Inc. and not with alleged Libyan involvement in the destruction of the aircraft. The action is currently being settled.

     

    Tigris and Euphrates Valleys

    Mr. Dalyell : To ask the Prime Minister what medical advice has gone to Her Majesty’s Government from agencies of the United Nations and Medecins sans Frontieres about malnutrition-related disease, the lack of pharmaceuticals and the shortage of water-pump and water-filter equipment in the valleys of the Tigris and Euphrates.

    The Prime Minister : We receive general reports on the humanitarian needs in Iraq from the United Nations agencies and others, although not from Medecins Sans Frontieres. I understand that researchers’ attempts to assess nutrition in Iraq have been hampered by a lack of reliable data.

     

    Engagements

    Mr. Harry Greenway : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 12 April.

    Sir Peter Tapsell : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 12 April.

    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.

     

    Political Advisers

    Mr. Hutton : To ask the Prime Minister how many political advisers were employed by Cabinet Ministers in each year since 1979; and what was the cost of these advisers in constant 1994 prices.

    The Prime Minister : The information requested has not been collected centrally at regular intervals. Information available on the number of special advisers, including expert advisers’ total pay bills and aggregate figures, is as follows :

    Table 1: Number of special advisers As at:

    —————————-

    March 1994 |39

    May 1993 |42

    November 1992 |38

    November 1991 |39

    October 1990 |33

    October 1989 |31

    July 1988 |30

    Table 2: Cost of special advisers

    As at: |<1>Paybill |<2>1993-94 prices

    |£ million |£ million

    ————————————————————————

    March 1994 |1.38 |1.38

    June 1993 |1.37 |1.42

    September 1992 |1.30 |1.37

    September 1991 |1.10 |1.23

    July 1990 |0.95 |1.12

    June 1989 |0.93 |1.22

    September 1988 |0.74 |1.02

    <1> Not including ERNIC and other personnel overheads

    <2> Calculated using the GDP deflator

     

    Lords Lieutenant

    Mr. Gordon Prentice : To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 3 March, Official Report, column 803, (1) how much is paid from public funds to lords lieutenant towards the cost of their ceremonial uniform;

    (2) how much is paid from public funds to lords lieutenant towards the cost of their ceremonial uniforms.

    The Prime Minister : In 1993 the total contribution paid from public funds to lords lieutenant on appointment towards the cost of their ceremonial uniforms was £4,952.07. In 1992 the figure was £6,932.50.

    Mr. Gordon Prentice : To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to advertise vacancies as and when they arise for lords lieutenant and deputy lords lieutenant in the relevant regional and local press.

    The Prime Minister : No. Lords lieutenant are appointed by Her Majesty the Queen on my advice under Crown prerogative. The choice of deputy lieutenants lies in the hands of the lords lieutenant.

     

    Official Gifts

    Mr. Tony Banks : To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 30 March, Official Report column 788, if he will give a breakdown of the £18,385 spent on official gifts in 1993 giving a description and the recipient.

    The Prime Minister : A range of small gifts were given to a large number of individuals for official purposes.

     

    National Insurance

    Mr. Llew Smith : To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche) of 29 March, Official Report , column 794, who is the right hon. Friend to whom he makes reference.

    The Prime Minister : My right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

     

    Scott Inquiry

    Mr. Flynn : To ask the Prime Minister whether all documents requested by Lord Justice Scott from Ministers or departmental officials have now been provided to the inquiry.

    The Prime Minister : Yes, although a number of oral hearings are scheduled to take place in May and the provision of further documents and material to the inquiry will continue.

     

    EU Rights and Objectives

    Mr. Austin Mitchell : To ask the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Foreign Office in asserting British interests in Europe and defending the British case in conflicts over EU rights and objectives.

    The Prime Minister : I have every confidence in the ability of the Foreign Office to further British interests in Europe.

     

    British Manufacturing and Research Company

    Mr. Cousins : To ask the Prime Minister which departments or Government agencies hold papers or records relating to the affairs of the British Manufacturing and Research Company.

    The Prime Minister : Records of this company are held by Companies House, an executive agency of the Department of Trade and Industry.

     

    General Election

    Mr. Winnick : To ask the Prime Minister if he will introduce legislation to ensure that a general election will occur if a Prime Minister resigns or is defeated in a party leadership contest.

    The Prime Minister : No.

     

    EC Commission

    Mr. Shore : To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral statement on 29 March, Official Report, columns 797-98, whether he will publish (a) the text of the oral or written assurances given by the Commission that proposals under the social chapter will not embrace in any way people or organisations in the United Kingdom and (b) the text of any Council of Ministers declaration that it is under a legal and binding obligation to seek agreement on the basis of a minority of at least 23 votes.

    The Prime Minister : On (a), I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs gave to the hon. Member for Newham, South (Mr. Spearing) on 30 March. On (b), the text of the Council decision on qualified majority voting has already been deposited in the House.

  • PMQT – 12 April 1994

    Below is the text of Prime Minister’s Question Time from 12th April 1994.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    Engagements

    Q1. Mr. Austin-Walker : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 12 April.

    The Prime Minister (Mr. John Major) : 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.

    Mr. Austin-Walker : Does the Prime Minister recall that not a single vote was cast in the House on Second Reading against the Civil Rights (Disabled Persons) Bill and that 231 hon. and right hon. Members voted for it? Will he assure the House that nothing will be done by the Government side to obstruct the passage of that Bill and that an early opportunity will be found for the Report stage and Third Reading?

    The Prime Minister : As I have indicated to the House before, we share the aim of eliminating discrimination against disabled people. We have done a great deal for disabled people in recent years and will do yet more, both in this Parliament and the next. What we need to do in Committee and thereafter is to look at the practical implications of the Bill, and that will be done.

    Sir Peter Tapsell : Following his recent success in encouraging and welcoming the introduction of Russian ground troops into the former Yugoslavia, as part of the United Nations Protection Force, will my right hon. Friend try to use his influence to improve communications between the Secretary-General of the United Nations and President Yeltsin, so that the Russian President will not feel excluded from the implementation of resolution 836, for which Russia voted in the Security Council on 4 June 1993?

    The Prime Minister : As my hon. Friend clearly indicates, Russia has a very important part to play in the peace process and I very much welcome the actions by the Russian deputy Foreign Minister during the past 24 hours to support the ceasefire negotiations. As far as the recent close air support is concerned, UNPROFOR and NATO acted in accordance with the Security Council resolution that my hon. Friend mentioned. Both resolutions 836 and 844 were at the time accepted by Russia. In that instance, the close air support operation did not require further consultation with any Government and in those circumstances it was correctly authorised by the Secretary-General’s special representative, but clearly, where it is militarily practicable, it is wise to seek the support of those countries that supported the resolution.

    Mrs. Beckett : Is the appearance of the Chief Secretary to the Treasury at yesterday’s manifesto launch of Westminster city council–a council that the district auditor said wasted £21 million of taxpayers’ money–an admission that the Government are happy to condone waste and incompetence?

    The Prime Minister : Yesterday, I had the pleasure of spending some time in Birmingham, which I much enjoyed. If the right hon. Lady wishes to talk about waste and incompetence she might look at some of the activities of Birmingham city council in recent years.

    Mrs. Beckett : What is the country to make– [Interruption.]

    Madam Speaker : Order.

    Mrs. Beckett : What is the country to make of the fact that the Minister in charge of the nation’s purse-strings openly endorses a council that sold three cemeteries for 5p each, which had to be bought back at a cost of millions of pounds, and that the district auditor says has wasted £21 million of public money? What kind of standards are these?

    The Prime Minister : I should be more impressed with what the right hon. Lady has to say if she applied precisely the same criteria to many Labour authorities, not just Birmingham– [Interruption.] –that I have mentioned. Some of my hon. Friends have just mentioned others and there are many to draw from.

    Mrs. Beckett : Does not the Prime Minister understand that he and his Government deceived the public about the poll tax, deceived the public about income tax and deceived the public about value added tax, and are now trying to deceive the public about council tax and about their record on local authorities, that no one believes the Government any longer and that that is why the local elections and the Euro elections will be a referendum on the record of the Prime Minister and his whole Government?

    The Prime Minister : I am bound to say that that was just a touch laboured. If she wants to talk about deceit on taxation, the right hon. Lady might look at her hon. Friend the Member for Blackburn (Mr. Straw) who, on the council tax, was forced to admit after weeks of prevarication that Conservative councils were noticeably less expensive to the council tax payer than Labour authorities. Whatever band of council tax one takes, the answer is the same : Labour councils tax more than Conservative councils.

    Mr. Fabricant : Is my right hon. Friend as alarmed as I am at the unusual comments made by Vladimir Zhirinovsky in France this morning when he spoke about the possibility of a nuclear attack on France? Does he agree with me that now is not the time to talk about nuclear disarmament as some Opposition Members have done?

    The Prime Minister : I agree with my hon. Friend about that. There should be no doubt that we will maintain our nuclear deterrent in its strength, quite unlike Opposition Members who for many years have been prepared to abandon it unilaterally.

    Mr. Ashdown : Will the Prime Minister reaffirm that apart from the action taken by the United Nations being consistent with UN Security Council resolutions, as he has suggested, it was also necessary to support the authority of the UN and it was required for the protection of UN peacekeepers? Does he also agree with me that now is the time to keep our nerve, maintain our military determination and increase diplomatic pressure on the Serbs in order to persuade them that they have more to gain from returning to the peace process than from aggression or from further challenges to United Nations authority?

    The Prime Minister : On this occasion, I am able broadly to agree with the right hon. Gentleman. Close air support will remain available to the UN commanders, and they will be able to call on it again if they consider it necessary under either resolution 836 or resolution 844. I hope that those who may be prepared to attack UNPROFOR will draw the appropriate lesson from what has happened so that further use of close air support is unnecessary. As regards keeping our nerve, we are determined to do whatever we can to try to bring about a full settlement. A huge amount has been achieved in the past eight weeks or so. We need to build on it in the weeks ahead, and there will be no loss of nerve here or, I hope, anywhere else.

    Mr. Bates : Has my right hon. Friend seen the latest edition of Plant Location International which has carried out a poll of the world’s best regions for foreign direct investment in which Shenzhen, China is third, Cape province, South Africa is second and the northern region is first? Does not this excellent news demonstrate how the economic fortunes of the north-east have been transformed since 1979 under the present Government?

    The Prime Minister : I am afraid that that particular publication was not part of my Easter reading, but I am delighted to hear what my hon. Friend has to say and I certainly share his view about the renewal of prospects, not just in the north-east, but in the whole of the northern part of England.

     

    Q2. Mr. Donohoe : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 12 April.

    The Prime Minister : I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave some moments ago.

    Mr. Donohoe : Making reference to the statement made earlier by the Prime Minister in connection with Birmingham, will the right hon. Gentleman condemn the lies and deceptions contained in last week’s Tory party broadcast?

    The Prime Minister : I never condemn reality and truth. The reality is that we could have given a whole series of illustrations, not just of Birmingham city council, but of a series of other councils–Coventry, Waltham Forest, Derbyshire. I am sure that the right hon. Member for Derby, South (Mrs. Beckett) knows all about Derbyshire and the chairman of the finance committee.

    Mrs. Beckett indicated assent.

    The Prime Minister : The right hon. Lady may contemplate that before she asks me again about Westminster or any other Conservative authority. So I think that the hon. Member for Cunninghame, South (Mr. Donohoe) ought to consider the depth of corruption and despair that there is as a result of Labour local authorities.

     

    Deregulation —

    Q3. Mr. Steen : To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with other European political leaders about deregulation in respect of European directives.

    The Prime Minister : The Commission has said that it will bring forward proposals that will involve the simplification or repeal of about 25 per cent. of Community legislation.

    Mr. Steen : In view of the Prime Minister’s success in persuading the Commission of the need for greater deregulation, will he try and persuade the other European leaders of the need to embark upon a compliance cost assessment before any directive is implemented, so that every country in Europe knows the cost to its taxpayers before a directive is enforced and implemented?

    The Prime Minister : My hon. Friend is right to stress the importance of compliance cost assessment, and we are actively encouraging other member states in the Community to introduce systems similar to our own. We are seeking to strengthen the Commission’s systems, so ensuring that all proposals for Community legislation are justified in terms of their costs and of their benefits, because the only rational way for Europe to behave in terms of its future legislation is to ensure that Europe becomes more competitive and avoids unnecessary on-costs and over- regulation.

     

    Engagements

    Q4. Mr. O’Hara : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 12 April.

    The Prime Minister : I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave some moments ago.

    Mr. O’Hara : Talking of Westminster, Library statistics tell us that Tory Westminster spends £78 more per capita than Liverpool and yet it manages to do that on a band D council tax which is less than one third of Liverpool’s. What possible justification can the Prime Minister give for such flagrant politically motivated gerrymandering of central Government support to Westminster?

    The Prime Minister : One of the great differences between Westminster and many of the local authorities that the hon. Gentleman is so fond of is that Westminster collects its rents, for example. If one were to consider– [Interruption.] If the hon. Gentleman

    Madam Speaker : Order.

    The Prime Minister : If the hon. Gentleman were to examine the list of local authorities that have a bad rent collection record, he would find Labour local authorities heading that list and running right down it. He would find the same if he considered local authorities in debt, and the same with local authorities who have empty dwellings. The reality is, on any realistic measure of local authority performance, the worst local authorities are socialist local authorities.

     

    Ministerial Visits

    Q5. Mr. Brandreth : To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to visit the city of Chester.

    The Prime Minister : I have no immediate plans to do so.

    Mr. Brandreth : Is my right hon. Friend aware that the city of Chester is one of the great cultural capitals of Europe, the home of two fine theatres and the place where the first movie was shown in this country, in 1890? Will my right hon. Friend join me in saluting the extraordinary contribution of film and theatre to this country’s economy and standing ; a contribution best exemplified by the unique career of Sir John Gielgud, who is visiting Westminster today and who celebrates his 90th birthday this week?

    The Prime Minister : I am certainly happy to join my hon. Friend in his tribute to the film and variety industry, to the city of Chester and to Sir John Gielgud. I did not myself hear it, but I gather that those who did hear his remarkable King Lear over the weekend regarded it as one of the finest Lears that they had ever heard. He will be very welcome in Westminster, and I should like to add my congratulations to Sir John on his 90th birthday.

     

    London (Policies)

    Q6. Mr. Simon Hughes : To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the policies of Her Majesty’s Government which have been assessed as the most popular in London.

    The Prime Minister : The hon. Member will see the best of London local government if he looks at the outstanding services offered by Conservative boroughs throughout London.

    Mr. Hughes : If the Prime Minister is unwilling to change his most popular policies, which have reduced his support from more than 45 per cent. to 26 per cent. in the capital, would he like to consider changing his least popular policies and not close hospitals such as Guy’s which have now been shown to be part of a health service in which there is no surplus of beds, no surplus of resources and a huge amount of still unmet London-wide need?

    The Prime Minister : What the hon. Gentleman either fails to understand or fails to mention is the fact that the changes in the hospital structure in London are mirrored by changes to primary health care that will deliver very dramatic improvements in primary health care for all Londoners. There is no doubt that that is necessary and that, as a result of these changes, Londoners will both deserve and receive the standards of health care that I believe they should have and that are enjoyed elsewhere.

  • Mr Major’s Comments on the Serbs – 11 April 1994

    Below is the text of Mr Major’s comments on the Serbs, made on Monday 11th April 1994.

    QUESTION:

    [Inaudible].

    PRIME MINISTER:

    The Serbs were warned, they were given a clear warning to stop, they did not stop and I think they can be unsurprised at the subsequent action.

    QUESTION:

    How much notice were you given?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    It is not a matter of anyone to be given notice, the responsibility for this has been delegated to the Secretary General, who has delegated it to Mr Akashi and the Commanders on the ground, it is for them to take the decision, not for the politicians a long way away.

  • PMQT Written Answers – 31 March 1994

    Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 31st March 1994.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    Proton Cars

    Mr. Redmond : To ask the Prime Minister how many Proton cars were purchased by the Cabinet Office in each of the last 10 years for which information is available; and at what cost.

    The Prime Minister : None.

     

    Official Entertainment

    Mr. Boyes : To ask the Prime Minister what was the total cost of his official entertaining in each year since 1990-91; if he will list the receptions held in each year at his office’s expense; and what was the cost of each reception.

    The Prime Minister : The total cost of official hospitality by my office, for each year since 1990-91, is as follows :

    Year |Cost

    |£

    ———————-

    1990-91 |23,830

    1991-92 |40,976

    1992-93 |30,023

    An outturn for 1993-94 is not yet available.

     

    Former Prime Ministers

    Mr. Matthew Taylor : To ask the Prime Minister

    (1) what restrictions govern the spending by former Prime Ministers of their annual allowances;

    (2) if he will list the total allowances paid to each former Prime Minister in each year since 1991;

    (3) what mechanisms are in place to monitor the use of allowances paid to former Prime Ministers.

    The Prime Minister : On 1 April 1991, I introduced an allowance to assist former Prime Ministers with the continuing heavy burden of office and secretarial costs arising from their special position in public life. The allowance is similar in purpose and amount to the parliamentary office costs allowance but is paid in respect of public not parliamentary duties.

    The total payments from the allowance are as follows :

    Year |Payment

    |£

    ———————————

    1991-92 |88,956

    1992-93 |124,981

    1993-94 |<1>130,000

    <1> Estimate.

    I do not think it right to disclose the amounts claimed by individual former Prime Ministers, any more than the House discloses details of claims by individual Members under the office costs allowance.

    Payments from the allowance are subject to the same scrutiny and controls as other payments from voted monies.

     

    Local Government Legislation

    Mr. Vaz : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the Acts of Parliament and Consolidation Acts that affect local government which have been introduced by his Department since 1990.

    The Prime Minister : None.

     

    Injunctions

    Mr. Alan Williams : To ask the Prime Minister on how many occasions, and when, since January 1990 the Government have met costs of injunctions against publications; at what cost; against which publications and on behalf of which Departments or Ministers.

    The Prime Minister : There are no centrally held records of such cases.

     

    Interception of Communications Act 1985

    Mr. Batiste : To ask the Prime Minister when the annual report of the commissioner appointed under the Interception of Communications Act 1985 will be laid before the House; and if he will make a statement.

    The Prime Minister : A copy of Sir Thomas Bingham’s second annual report, for 1993, has been laid before the House today in accordance with section 8(7) of the Interception of Communications Act 1985. The confidential annexe to the report has been excluded from that copy in accordance with section 8(8) of the 1985 Act. I am grateful to the commissioner for his report. I note in particular his observations that the Secretaries of State take great care to satisfy themselves that the warrants are necessary for the purposes stated in the Act, and that the system for the issue of warrants is working as intended by Parliament.

    Sir Thomas Bingham’s appointment as commissioner will end on 10 April. I am grateful to him for the work he has done in that capacity. He will be succeeded, with effect from 11 April, by Lord Nolan.

     

    Security Service Act 1989

    Mrs. Angela Knight : To ask the Prime Minister when the annual report of the commissioner appointed under the Security Service Act 1989 will be laid before the House and if he will make a statement.

    The Prime Minister : A copy of Lord Justice Stuart-Smith’s fourth annual report, for 1993, has been laid before the House today in accordance with section 4(6) of the Security Service Act 1989. The confidential annexe to the report has been excluded from that copy in accordance with section 4(7) of the 1989 Act. I am grateful to the commissioner for his work in reviewing the issue of warrants and in providing assistance to the tribunal as provided in the Act. His report confirms that he is satisfied that the Secretaries of State have exercised their warranty powers in accordance with the provisions of the 1989 Act.

     

    Sarajevo

    Mr. Bates : To ask the Prime Minister what progress has been made with the initiative which he and President Clinton announced for the reconstruction of Sarajevo.

    The Prime Minister : The draft report of the United Kingdom-United States civil planning mission for Sarajevo is now available. It is being circulated widely among donors, and President Clinton and I hope to transmit the final version to the United Nations Secretary-General shortly. I shall place a copy in the Library of the House.

    When I was in Sarajevo, I announced a United Kingdom contribution of £5 million for the most immediately needed activities. These are under way. They include help to restore electrical power more widely in Sarajevo, immediate repairs to the gas system to enable domestic gas consumers to use their facilities again safely, the extension of the tram system, and a programme of help to the hospitals in Sarajevo to support the work which is being done there.

    I am pleased to say that the United States is making available a similar immediate contribution. Discussions are now taking place with the United Nations and other donors on how best to take forward the recommendations in the report.

     

    Union (Scotland)

    Sir Fergus Montgomery : To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on Scotland’s position in the Union.

    The Prime Minister : The Government stand firmly behind Scotland’s place in the Union. That is the basis on which we fought the last election and, as a result, were the only party to increase both our share of votes and number of seats in Scotland.

    I intend to continue to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to Scotland’s position at every possible opportunity, including during future visits to Scotland.

    I regret that, in answering a question from the hon. Member for Glasgow, Shettleston (Mr. Marshall) on 10 March, I stated that the data for the opinion poll to which he referred were collected before my most recent visit to Scotland. I subsequently ascertained that they were collected after the visit.

     

    Council of Europe

    Sir Michael Grylls : To ask the Prime Minister what changes there are to the United Kingdom delegation to the Council of Europe and the Western European Union.

    The Prime Minister : Baroness Lockwood has resigned as a substitute member of the delegation, and has been replaced by Baroness Gould of Potternewton.

     

    Iraq (Pharmaceutical Products)

    Mr. Dalyell : To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 16 March, Official Report, column 704, what action he is taking on the document concerning pharmaceutical products required in the valleys of the Tigris and Euphrates, and on the provision of water pumps and water filters to Baghdad.

    The Prime Minister [holding answer 30 March 1994] : I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave on 23 March, Official Report, column 260.

     

    Institute of Irish Studies

    Mr. Parry : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the hon. Members who have written to him asking for his support for the funding of a chair at the institute of Irish studies at the university of Liverpool; and if he will make a statement.

    The Prime Minister [holding answer 30 March 1994] : I have received representations from the hon. Member. I will reply in due course.

     

    Friendly Countries

    Mr. Byers : To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Dartford (Mr. Dunn) of 23 March, Official Report, column 259-60, if he will list those countries and Governments presently regarded as friendly.

    The Prime Minister [holding answer 30 March 1994] : These countries would include all those which share our objective of seeking a stable international order characterised by the peaceful settlement of disputes, the international rule of law, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and good government and respect for human rights.

  • Mr Major’s Doorstep Interview in Enniskillen – 31 March 1994

    Below is the text of Mr Major’s doorstep interview held at Enniskillen in Northern Ireland on Thursday 31st March 1994.

    QUESTION:

    [Inaudible].

    PRIME MINISTER:

    It doesn’t matter who is perpetrating violence It is absolutely unforgivable. I’m deeply sorry for the three men who have been seriously injured. I haven’t yet had a detailed report on how badly injured they are, but it’s absolutely unacceptable, to the people who perpetrated this particular piece of villainy be absolutely certain of one thing. The RUC will hunt them down and when they’re caught they’ll be punished.

    QUESTION:

    [Inaudible].

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I have no idea what the motive for this might be. We have had these sort of activities for far too many years in Ireland, but I can be certain whatever the loyalists may try and do, whatever the Provisionals may try and do, it won’t stop the efforts that we’re seeking to make to provide a peace settlement and also to provide success through the three-stranded talks.

    QUESTION:

    [Indistinct but about the IRA ceasefire].

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I’m not sure when Dublin heard about it; I heard about it when it was announced and not before.

    QUESTION:

    [Inaudible].

    PRIME MINISTER:

    The Government has said to Sinn Fein, through the Joint Declaration agreed with the Republic as well, that if Sinn Fein will renounce violence after a brief period, a 3-month period, then they can enter the constitutional talks. Now that is the only circumstances in which they are going to sit down and talk about anything that concerns them.

    QUESTION:

    Can you be optimistic about the future?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    Yes I can, I can. I think anyone who has been coming to Northern Ireland for many years only has to look around him to see the changes. Have a look at the change in Belfast, have a look at the change in Londonderry, have a look at the extent to which there is now employment of many people from both religions. Have a look at the changes there are in the schools. Northern Ireland has made huge progress. It has made huge progress economically; it has made some progress politically. There’s still more to be done, but, yes, I do think there’s every reason for being hopeful.

    QUESTION:

    The killing hasn’t stopped?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    The killing hasn’t stopped. No, the killing hasn’t stopped, but what I think is perfectly clear is the massive public consensus across all political parties and I think across both religions against the people who kill. I think the indication of support that was the Joint Declaration is the clearest possible illustration of that and the most recent.

    QUESTION:

    [Inaudible].

    PRIME MINISTER:

    Not all that long ago, not all that many years ago, it was a rather unusual event for the British Prime Minister to talk to the Irish Prime Minister, but it isn’t an unusual event now. The Taoiseach and I meet regularly. We speak regularly on the telephone. The Secretary of State speaks regularly to Mr Spring. I will probably be speaking to Mr Reynolds over the next day or so, over a whole series of matters.

    QUESTION:

    Prime Minister, is there any point in you calling Sinn Fein’s bluff?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    Well, you refer to calling Sinn Fein’s bluff. Sinn Fein’s bluff has been called. Sinn Fein have a way of giving up violence for good and entering the constitutional talks. They have had every opportunity to do it. They chose not to do it. what they do decide to do: they have these occasional ceasefires for which they expect people to be grateful. Well I have to say, saying to people “We are not going to kill you on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, but you’re fair game again on Thursday” doesn’t seem to me to be likely to attract the heart and minds of the people of Northern Ireland and neither is it going to attract any single political advance of any sort either now or in the future. They had the opportunity to enter the talks; it’s laying there on the table. They know very well what the Joint Declaration says; you know it; I know it; everyone in Northern Ireland knows it and they know it. They can take that option. It’s the only one they’ve got.

    QUESTION:

    Have your learned anything from this trip?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I always learn something in Northern Ireland. There’s an unquestionable courage in Northern Ireland after the difficulties there’s been in the last 25 years. I have seen this morning in Bangor I’ve seen some of that on the main street in meeting people. I have seen it in Armagh, looking at the new Trian, which, if I may say, if you haven’t seen it I’d go and have a look at it. It’s marvellous. I have also learned it’s a very enjoyable place to come and I thoroughly [inaudible].

  • Mr Major’s Doorstep Interview in Northern Ireland – 31 March 1994

    Below is the text of Mr Major’s doorstep interview held at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland on Thursday 31st March 1994.

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I just want to say a word or two. I am delighted to be back here in Northern Ireland this morning. I have just had the opportunity over breakfast of a briefing on security and other matters with the Chief Constable, the GOC and the Secretary of State. I am quite satisfied that security cooperation is improving in Northern Ireland and the increasing effectiveness of the security forces. I am very pleased to have the opportunity of discussing that yet again, I look forward to coming back again and again to do so.

    QUESTION:

    The Taoiseach today described the statement from the IRA as a very small step, do you agree with that?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I think the Taoiseach’s view and mine over the course that the IRA need to take is quite clear, we both made it clear repeatedly that they need to stop violence and they need to stop violence for good. We committed ourselves to that in the joint declaration, I have said it repeatedly since and so has the Taoiseach.

    QUESTION:

    What do you say however to the clergymen who attended to many of the bereaved and injured in the Shankhill Road who said everybody should build on those three days of ceasefire, what do you say to that?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I said last night that I thought the three day ceasefire was a very cynical exercise. Let me tell you why I said that. What effectively the IRA are saying is that on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday they will decide not to attack people and not to kill people, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday they think they can go back to killing people. Well I do not think that is satisfactory, it is a cynical ploy, the only message we want to hear from them is that they have decided to give up violence for good. I am sure that clergyman and everybody else would wish to see them do that.

    QUESTION:

    Do you reject that move by the IRA?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I have just said to you that I believe that it is a cynical exercise, I believe it is a self-serving and a cynical exercise. And there is absolutely no doubt what Sinn Fein and the IRA need to do, it has been spelt out perfectly clearly, I would like to see them enter the democratic process. The joint declaration opens the door for them to do precisely that, they know what needs to be done, it is perfectly clear, if they genuinely wish to play a democratic part in the future politics of Northern Ireland there is a road for them to do so, there is a route in which they can achieve that. They have thus so far failed to do so so I am simply not impressed by short term manoeuvres like this one.

    QUESTION:

    Is there not some danger of conflict between your government and the Irish government given Mr Reynolds’ guarded welcome for the ceasefire, are you on the same lines?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    Yes we are completely on the same lines, we are in very close contact, we have remained in very close touch, we both stand absolutely behind the principles that are in the joint declaration, we do now and we will in the future, there is no difference between the governments.

    QUESTION:

    Considering that your government spoke to Sinn Fein last year, is it not a bit hypocritical for you to turn down clarification at this vital stage?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    We responded to questions that we were asked by Sinn Fein last year, if I can correct the way you put the question. As far as clarification is concerned, the document stands on its own merits, it is perfectly clear to everybody else what it means, it is perfectly clear to Sinn Fein as well, what they are doing is to try and encourage the gullible to believe that there is some extra step to draw the government into negotiation which would lead them to behave differently. The fact is the gullible ought not to be deceived. At the moment the joint declaration is putting Sinn Fein under pressure, I intend to stand by the joint declaration and I hope everyone will keep up the pressure.

    QUESTION:

    Given that your government did talk to Sinn Fein last year wouldn’t it have been normal for people in Northern Ireland to expect that given the gesture which the IRA has made that you will make some approaches through the Secret Service or other bodies?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    Well as I indicated just a moment ago to the last questioner, we responded to questions put to us by the IRA last year and I do not think I could have made my position clearer about the three day ceasefire that they have now offered, that is not going to change the future of Northern Ireland, they can, they can stop the violence permanently and then in due course enter the constitutional talks. The question you should be asking is not what I propose to make of the three day ceasefire but why they will not take the offer that is on the table for them from the British Government and the Irish government to stop killing people permanently, to stop wrecking people’s lives permanently and to enter into a constitutional dialogue, that is the question that should be asked.

    QUESTION:

    Will there be any sort of crack-down if it is IRA business as usual after the ceasefire?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    The security cooperation that exists at the moment is very good, it is very good, it is very close, I cannot recall a time when it was better and perhaps more relevantly that is also the view of the people directly responsible for security. We are always looking for ways to see whether that can be improved and we will continue to do that.