The Rt. Hon. Sir John Major KG CH

Category: Prime Minister (1990-1997)

  • Mr Major’s Comments on Borrowing – 10 December 1993

    Below is the text of Mr Major’s comments on the proposal by Jacques Delors to borrow money to fund new jobs. The comments were made in Brussels, Belgium, on 10th December 1993.

    QUESTION:

    [Mr Major was asked whether he wanted to create employment].

    PRIME MINISTER:

    The point of issue is not whether we want jobs or not – of course we want jobs – the point of issue is whether it is a successful way to do that by taking a large, fresh loan at precisely the moment that every other country in the European Community is cutting down on its borrowing, and patently it isn’t.

  • PMQT Written Answers – 9 December 1993

    Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 9th December 1993.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    European Community Expenditure

    Mrs. Gorman : To ask the Prime Minister what was the level of EC expenditure in the United Kingdom disaggregated by parliamentary constituency and EC programme, in each year since 1988-89.

    The Prime Minister : The information requested is not available. Details of public sector receipts by Government Department were published in table 11.4 of the 1993 Chancellor’s departmental report. This table covers the outturn for the years 1987-88 to 1991-92, estimated outturn for 1992-93 and plans for 1993-94 to 1995-96. Departments’ latest forecast of EC receipts will be published in the 1994 Chancellor’s departmental report, early next year.

     

    Political Donations

    Mr. Cryer : To ask the Prime Minister if he will introduce legislation to require all political parties to compile and publish annually comprehensive accounts showing the source of all donations and the extent of all expenditure; and if he will make a statement.

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

     

    No. 10 Downing Street

    Mr. Cryer : To ask the Prime Minister on how many occasions he has used No. 10 Downing Street premises for functions of the Conservative party; what is the cost to public funds; and what was the purpose of each occasion.

    The Prime Minister : When charitable or other non-official events are held at No. 10 Downing Street, the organisers are responsible for all catering and staff costs as well as other miscellaneous direct costs.

    Mr. Cryer : To ask the Prime Minister in what circumstances the premises of No. 10 Downing Street are available for hire by outside organisations; and at what cost.

    The Prime Minister : I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Newham, North-West (Mr. Banks) on 30 November 1993, Official Report, column 420.

     

    War Anniversaries

    Mr. Winnick : To ask the Prime Minister what plans the Government have with its wartime allies to mark (a) the 50th anniversary of the D-Day operation and (b) the 50th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe.

    The Prime Minister : Plans for a series of events to mark the 50th anniversary of the D-Day landings, both in the United Kingdom and in France, are now well advanced. These plans have been made in close co-operation with other Governments. An announcement will be made shortly.

    Plans for events to mark the end of the second world war are being considered at present. An announcement will be made next year.

  • PMQT – 9 December 1993

    Below is the text of Prime Minister’s Question Time from 9th December 1993. Tony Newton responded on behalf of John Major.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    Engagements

    Q1. Mr. Brazier : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 9 December.

    The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Tony Newton) : I have been asked to reply.

    My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is travelling to Brussels for the European Council meting and other meetings. I understand that the right hon. and learned Member for Monklands, East (Mr. Smith) is also attending a meeting of socialist leaders in Brussels–the Brussels fringe. I am informed that he will sign a communique, but I have no information about whether he has read it.

    Mr. Brazier : Is my right hon. Friend aware of the growing concern among some Conservative Members that our defence cuts may have gone too far, considering the situation in Russia and the proliferation of nuclear weapons technology? Further cuts must mean a loss of capability. Surely, the lesson of the Gulf war was that it took almost all our Army and Royal Air Force logistic capability, ammunition and spare parts to keep only two brigades and a few RAF squadrons in being for a few days’ fighting. Should not we review capabilities and commitments as well as costs?

    Mr. Newton : I believe that the Government have struck the right balance between our commitments, our resources and our capabilities. Our aim is to maintain the effectiveness of our front-line forces, while improving the efficiency of support services in Whitehall and elsewhere, and I think that that is what we shall achieve. We shall certainly not adopt the policy of the Labour party conference, which only three months ago voted to scrap our nuclear shield and to cut our defence spending by about £7.5 billion.

    Mrs. Beckett : Why, having run away from a debate on VAT on fuel this Tuesday– [Interruption.] The Lord President may not have heard me so I shall ask again : why, having run away from the debate on VAT on fuel this Tuesday, have the Government decided to run away next Tuesday from debates on statutory sick pay and on the increase in national insurance contributions?

    Mr. Newton : The Government are in no way running away from debate. We provided an extra day for the debate on the Budget, but even that extra time did not enable either the Opposition Front-Bench spokesmen or their Whips to table the right motion at the right time. That was sheer parliamentary incompetence. Perhaps they were running away because they thought that the hon. Member for Glasgow, Garscadden (Mr. Dewar) might not be able to vote for what they tabled.

    Mrs. Beckett : The Lord President has run away yet again from the question that I asked him. Is not the Government’s problem that those two measures expose their hypocrisy and deceit? They claim that they are lifting the burdens on business when really they are piling them on. They claim to be the party of low taxes, although they have imposed the biggest tax hike in British industry. Is that why they are running away from proper scrutiny of the Bills?

    Mr. Newton : It is quite clear that another reason why Labour Members did not get their amendment right is that they simply had not done their homework on the proposals. The combination of the SSP proposals and our proposals for employer contributions brings about a net reduction in the costs to British industry.

    Mrs. Beckett : Does not the Lord President realise that these are important Bills which the British people will expect to hear debated? Does he not know that in the eyes of the British people the Government already stand convicted of deceit and incompetence, and now they are adding cowardice to the charge?

    Mr. Newton : These are important Bills and we will ensure that they get appropriate time for debate in a way that is consistent with carrying through the responsible and effective policies in my right hon. and learned Friend’s Budget.

     

    Q2. Mr. Oppenheim : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 9 December.

    Mr. Newton : I have been asked to reply.

    I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave some moments ago.

    Mr. Oppenheim : Is my right hon. Friend aware that one country in Europe above all in recent years has faithfully followed the Delors prescription of ever-mounting labour market regulation, ever greater public spending, growing public sector debt and ever more intervention and meddling in industry? Spain suffers from 22 per cent. unemployment as a result of those policies. Is it any surprise that both the socialist manifesto in Europe and the shadow Chancellor espouse exactly those policies?

    Mr. Newton : My hon. Friend might have added that that self-same Spain is one of the countries that have a national minimum wage, and it has 22 per cent. unemployment. My hon. Friend is right that what Europe needs above all is to cut its costs and develop more flexible labour markets. That is what we have been seeking successfully to do.

    The way to increase unemployment is to espouse the policies of Labour Members, who have signed up to a 35-hour working week, a minimum wage and raising business taxes to the levels in other European countries. Heaven knows what else the right hon. and learned Member for Monklands, East (Mr. Smith) is signing up to in Brussels this afternoon.

     

    Q3. Mr. Janner : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 9 December.

    Mr. Newton : I have been asked to reply.

    I refer the hon. and learned Gentleman to the reply I gave some moments ago.

    Mr. Janner : Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since his Government were elected in 1979 with a law and order platform, recorded crimes in Leicestershire have increased by 237 per cent. but the Government have permitted the number of police officers to increase by only 7 per cent? Is not it a scandal that in those circumstances the Government have announced a second year in which the number of police officers is to be frozen? Is not it a scandal that all that the Home Secretary can call for is individual citizens to fight crime in the street? The Government have become one not of law and order but of crime and disorder.

    Mr. Newton : My right hon. and learned Friend has set out a range of policies to support the police, to release from paperwork into practical action against crime a large number of police and to take effective action in the criminal justice field along lines which I hope Labour Members will support but which their record is one of consistently opposing.

     

    Q4. Dr. Twinn : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 9 December.

    Mr. Newton : I have been asked to reply.

    I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave some moments ago.

    Dr. Twinn : Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Japanese ambassador said that Great Britain is a trail blazer for free trade in Europe? Will he ensure that the Prime Minister and all the Government continue to put Britain, together with free trade, at the heart of Europe?

    Mr. Newton : My hon. Friend points out accurately and encouragingly what the Japanese ambassador said. The ambassador went on to say : “I see no reason why Britain should not remain the most favoured location for Japanese investment in Europe as long as the factors which have attracted this investment remain in place.”

    Those factors will remain as long as this Government have anything to do with them. They would be destroyed only if we were unlucky enough to be inflicted with a Labour Government.

    Mr. Barnes : Why am I having to put down question after question after question– [Interruption.]

    Madam Speaker : Order.

    Mr. Barnes : When will I get answers to the questions that I have tabled about what is going on in the meetings of the Council of Ministers in Europe? There have been two Heads of State meetings, one in Edinburgh and one in Brussels. At those meetings, it was said that there would be transparency and openness, and that reports would be made to the House as to what the voting arrangements are in the Council of Ministers where the decisions are made.

    The Prime Minister has promised that all Departments will give that information in answers, but that has not been done. The matter has been raised with the Leader of the House during business questions, but it has not been answered. The right hon. Gentleman will not even answer the letters that I wrote to him in June and in November. Can the House have an answer now?

    Mr. Newton : The Edinburgh decision meant that the Council’s rules of procedure had to be changed and that has taken longer in some respects than we would have wished. Our purpose remains precisely as was stated. I anticipate that my right hon. Friend will report to the House in the wake of the Council that is about to take place.

     

    Q5. Mr. Duncan : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 9 December.

    Mr. Newton : I have been asked to reply.

    I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave some moments ago.

    Mr. Duncan : Given that the virtue of capitalism is that it harnesses private energy for the public good, will my right hon. Friend join me in welcoming the decision of Leyland-DAF to give £200 worth of shares to each of its employees for Christmas? Does not the success of that company in turning itself around prove that private enterprise and not socialist subsidy is the best recipe?

    Mr. Newton : All right hon. and hon. Friends will be as pleased by that news as is my hon. Friend, who might have added that Leyland-DAF vans has also announced an £8 million development programme. I am not surprised, but I thought that we might have heard from the Opposition given their concern about Leyland-DAF a few months ago. The Opposition like to broadcast only bad news. My hon. Friend will recall that the Labour party wanted the Government to pump millions of pounds of subsidy into Leyland-DAF, as had the Dutch and Belgian Governments. As it is, the Dutch Government spent £100 million of taxpayers’ money in subsidies and it has saved fewer jobs proportionately than we have.

     

    Q6. Mr. Llwyd : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 9 December.

    Mr. Newton : I have been asked to reply.

    I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave some moments ago.

    Mr. Llwyd : Yesterday at Station road in Llanrwst in my constituency, a serious flooding incident devastated eight or 10 businesses as a direct result of negligence by contractors which were employed by the Welsh office. Will the Leader of the House impress on his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales the need for full and urgent compensation for those businesses?

    Mr. Newton : First, on behalf of the whole House and through the hon. Gentleman I express sympathy to his constituents for their unhappy experience. I think that all hon. Members would want to join in that.

    Beyond that, I do not wish to comment in detail on something that I have not had a chance to look into. As the hon. Gentleman will have noticed, my right hon. Friend is in the Chamber and I am sure that he will examine what he has said.

     

    Q7. Mr. Thurnham : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 9 December.

    Mr. Newton : I have been asked to reply.

    I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave some moments ago.

    Mr. Thurnham : Is my right hon. Friend aware of the latest local government ombudsman’s report, which shows that maladministration by council housing departments is the biggest single cause of complaint? Does he agree that this Government have done more than any other to promote private ownership? Is he aware that the Opposition now agree that the private rented sector badly needs a boost?

    Mr. Newton : I pay tribute to my hon. Friend’s long and welcome interest in housing. Of course, I am well aware of his new pamphlet and, by some happy chance, I have a copy with me. It is yet another example of fresh thinking in housing, and I welcome my hon. Friend’s contribution to the debate. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Housing, who wrote a foreword to the report, will want to discuss the ideas in my hon. Friend’s pamphlet with him.

     

    Q8. Mr. Olner : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 9 December.

    Mr. Newton : I have been asked to reply.

    I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave some moments ago.

    Mr. Olner : Is the Lord President aware that due to the inclement weather yesterday in the midlands and the north there have been no trains through my constituency of Nuneaton from Liverpool and Manchester? Does not that show the frailty of the infrastructure on the west coast main line, which is being stretched to breaking point? Would the right hon. Gentleman care to comment on the fact that what was said in the Budget was only a promise that might be fulfilled in two years? Will the Government now pump prime the infrastructure of that line by putting money into it?

    Mr. Newton : Given what my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer said at the time of the public expenditure announcements in respect of the west coast main line, that is one of the most ungenerous questions that I have heard for some time. It also bears out the old joke that the Government even get blamed for the weather.

  • Mr Major’s Comments at Jubilee Line Extension Inaugural Ceremony – 8 December 1993

    Below is the text of Mr Major’s comments at the Jubilee Line Extension Inaugural Ceremony on 8th December 1993.

    PRIME MINISTER:

    Sir Wilfred, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    It was only a few months ago that I was in Docklands to open the Limehouse Link Tunnel. That marked the completion of an important road system running almost the whole length of Docklands.

    And I’m here now for the start of work on another vital transport link for Docklands and for London. After many years East London is starting to get the infrastructure development it needs.

    The Jubilee Line Extension is a truly impressive project:

    – it will cost nearly £2 billion;

    – it will create 22,000 jobs;

    – its intricate tunnelling system will be built with the best of British engineering expertise;

    – it will link London’s East End to the West End;

    – and transform travel from South London to Docklands.

    It is a remarkable project.

    London’s docks are very old. They were built in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by private companies with private capital. And now, today, the private sector has made its contribution to the Jubilee Line Extension.

    In the future, I believe that will often be the way forward for large transport projects. To ensure we provide the modern transport system this country needs we will need to enlist the resources of the private sector to support the contribution of the taxpayer. Private sector finance built our infrastructure in the first place and will increasingly contribute towards it in the next Century.

    Today, I congratulate everyone who has brought this project to the starting line – especially the London Docklands Development

    Corporation; the Consortium of Banks who have stood behind Canary Wharf; the European Investment Bank; and London Underground. A genuine partnership between the private and public sectors. A prototype of the pattern of the future.

    There’s a lot of work, a lot of mess, and a lot of disruption ahead. But the end product – the Jubilee Line – is worthwhile. We will all reap the benefits for many years ahead.

    Wilfred, I’m told the sooner I stop talking, the sooner work can start. I’m reliably informed that if I press the button in front of me, this huge crane will drive the first pile into the ground.

    Let us hope so – and as the crane begins to work – let us look forward to the rapid completion of this most remarkable project – the Jubilee Line.

  • PMQT Written Answers – 8 December 1993

    Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 8th December 1993.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    Bomb-proofing

    Mr. Redmond : To ask the Prime Minister what has been the cost of bomb-proofing (a) No. 10 and (b) No. 11 Downing Street.

    The Prime Minister : On security grounds, I do not propose to give this information.

     

    Government Car Service

    Mr. Alan Williams : To ask the Prime Minister what is the annual cost to the Department of the car service for Ministers; and how many vehicles are involved.

    The Prime Minister : The charge to my office for ministerial use of the Government car service during 1992-93 was £107,395. Two vehicles are involved.

     

    EU Summit

    Mr. Llew Smith : To ask the Prime Minister what matters in regard to environmental protection he intends to raise at the European Union Heads of Government summit in Brussels on 10 to 11 December.

    The Prime Minister : The Council will focus on the European economy and the Commission White Paper on growth, competitiveness and employment. It will also consider the Commission’s report on subsidiarity. I shall continue to emphasise the importance of properly sustainable development, in accordance with the treaty provisions.

  • PMQT Written Answers – 7 December 1993

    Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 7th December 1993.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    Visits

    Mr. Mullin : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the official visits by himself and his predecessor to (a) Saudi Arabia, (b) Malaysia and (c) Singapore since June 1987; and which such visits included party political activities in addition to official duties.

    The Prime Minister : Official visits were made to Saudi Arabia in January 1991, March 1991 and January 1993; to Malaysia in August 1988, October 1989 (for CHOGM) and September 1993; and to Singapore in August 1988. The official visits made by my right hon. and noble Friend were a matter for her. Since November 1990 each of my visits to the countries concerned have been entirely for official purposes.

     

    No. 10 Downing Street

    Mr. Beith : To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 30 November, Official Report, column 419, which charitable or other non- official organisations or groups have been notified that they may organise events at No. 10 Downing Street under the financial arrangements described in his answer.

    The Prime Minister : I have nothing to add to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. Mullin) on 30 November 1993 at columns 418-19.

     

    Ministers (Severance Pay)

    Mr. Matthew Taylor : To ask the Prime Minister, if he will list those who have resigned, retired or been dismissed from ministerial office in the past 10 years and the severance pay in (i) cash and (ii) current prices paid to each one.

    The Prime Minister : As the Financial Secretary explained on 28 October in his reply to a question from the hon. Member for Nottingham, North (Mr. Allen), the Parliamentary Pensions Act 1984 introduced severance payments for Ministers and other paid office holders in the House of Lords, subject to the conditions set out in the Act. The Ministerial and Other Pensions and Salaries Act 1991 extended the provision to Commons Ministers and other paid office holders in neither House.

    Although no composite list is kept, we have identified from our records the following occasions on which severance payments have been authorised since 31 July 1984. In each case the severance payment would have been equal to three months of the relevant ministerial salary, as provided for by the Act.

    Severance Payments

    Date and ministerial post

    11 September 1984

    Minister of State for the Environment

    26 March 1985

    Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Environment

    3 September 1985

    Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

    11 September 1986

    Minister of State, Environment

    Minister of State, Scottish Office

    15 June 1987

    Minister of State, Foreign Office

    Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Trade and Industry

    23 July 1989

    Secretary of State, Trade and Industry

    Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office

    24 July 1989

    Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Energy

    25 July 1989

    Lord in Waiting

    26 July 1989

    Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office

    22 July 1990

    Minister of State, Industry

    6 September 1990

    Minister of State, Scottish Office

    3 December 1990

    Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office

    22 May 1991

    Chief Whip, House of Lords

    31 December 1991

    Deputy Chief Whip, House of Lords

    11 April 1992

    Secretary of State, Defence

    Secretary of State, Home Office

    Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office

    Lord Privy Seal and Leader of the House of Lords

    14 April 1992

    Minister of State, Defence

    Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Education and Science Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Education and Science Parliamentary Under- Secretary of State, Energy

    Minister of State, Environment

    Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Health

    Minister of State, Home Office

    Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office

    Minister for the Arts

    Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Trade and Industry

    14 April 1992

    Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Transport

    Minister of State, Transport

    Financial Secretary to the Treasury

    Economic Secretary to the Treasury

    Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Welsh Office

    27 April 1992

    Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office

    5 May 1992

    Chairman of Committees, House of Lords

    Principal Deputy Chairman of Committees, House of Lords Deputy Speaker, House of Commons

    25 September 1992

    Secretary of State, National Heritage

    11 December 1992

    Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Education

    26 May 1993

    Chancellor of the Exchequer

    27 May 1993

    Minister of State, Defence

    Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Trade and Industry Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Office of Public Service and Science

    Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Transport

    6 June 1993

    Minister of State, FCO

    24 June 1993

    Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office

    16 September 1993

    Chief Whip, House of Lords

  • PMQT – 7 December 1993

    Below is the text of Prime Minister’s Question Time from 7th December 1993.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    Engagements

    Q1. Mr. Madden : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 7 December.

    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. Madden : May I ask the Prime Minister a question of which I have given him notice? Will he explain why only a quarter of the 4, 000 refugees from the former Yugoslavia whom Britain agreed to take 12 months ago have arrived? As the British Government have always opposed military intervention to stop aggression and the means of self-defence for the people of Bosnia, does the Prime Minister agree that he and his Government have an overwhelming moral obligation to persuade the United Nations to take appropriate action to ensure that protected areas are protected, that humanitarian relief gets to the people who so desperately need it and, finally, that vulnerable people, including those who need medical aid, receive refuge and the urgent medical attention that they need?

    The Prime Minister : I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for giving me notice of the first part of his question.

    I understand the genuine concern that the hon. Gentleman expresses, and I know that he has expressed it on occasions in the past. He will be aware that, just over a year ago, we agreed to take up to 1,000 humanitarian cases from the former Yugoslavia. We agreed to do that when the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Committee of the Red Cross judged it to be necessary. It is not necessary at the moment to give a further undertaking because, to date, only 438 cases have been recommended to us for receipt in this country. As the hon. Gentleman will know, in addition to that commitment, we have given more than £150 million worth of assistance to the former Yugoslavia, and our service men, as at the end of last week, have now escorted more than 1,500 aid convoys delivering more than 70,000 tonnes of aid.

    Mr. John Townend : Is my right hon. Friend aware that, since the Budget, the forward interest rate has dropped? Is that not an indication that the markets have confidence in the Government’s ability to deliver their promises on lower inflation and large reductions in the Budget deficit?

    The Prime Minister : It is certainly the case that the markets are indicating greater confidence about the future levels of inflation than we have seen for many years. Certainly, the forward market illustrates that. Inflationary pressures are very subdued at present. We intend to keep them subdued in the future.

    Mr. John Smith : Can the Prime Minister explain why the first Budget resolution to be voted on tonight is designed to prevent any debate or vote on VAT on fuel? Why is the Prime Minister so desperate to avoid allowing the House of Commons to vote on that issue?

    The Prime Minister : The House of Commons has voted on that issue on more than one occasion in the past. Since we seem to have provided the compensation that the hon. Member for Glasgow, Garscadden (Mr. Dewar) thought was necessary, I am surprised that the right hon. and learned Gentleman raises the matter.

    Mr. John Smith : If the Prime Minister is confident about his so-called compensation package, why can we not debate it and vote on it in this House? Surely the reason why the motion has been tabled is to let Tory Back Benchers off the hook after they promised their constituents that they would vote against it.

    The Prime Minister : We shall be interested to see whether the right hon. and learned Gentleman seeks to bring that back in the future, in view of the fact that, from the beginning, his policy has been to have some sort of energy tax and he signed up to that as recently as a few days ago. I reiterate the fact that we have provided compensation which his colleague suggested was necessary.

    Mr. John Smith : The Prime Minister is not dealing with the question. Why, in the motion, is the House of Commons to be deprived of an opportunity to debate and vote on VAT? Why does not the Prime Minister have the honesty to admit that he wants to avoid an embarrassing debate and an embarrassing vote on a tax that will remain deeply unpopular with the British people and those Tory Members who vote for it?

    The Prime Minister : The right hon. and learned Gentleman has a faulty memory. We voted on the matter and approved it after the Budget in April. All that has changed since then is the generous compensation package, amounting, in the third year, to £1.2 billion to help 15 million people.

    Mr. Luff : Will my right hon. Friend join me in welcoming the decision of the American company, Southco, to locate a major manufacturing plant in my constituency of Worcester, creating some 200 new jobs in the next few years? Is that not further proof–if proof were needed–that the Government have the right policies to attract inward investment to this country and that the Opposition have the wrong ones?

    The Prime Minister : In recent years, this country has certainly received a disproportionate amount of inward investment coming into Europe and from one European country to another. That reflects this country’s disinflationary tendency, the many supply-side reforms that we made to free up the market, and the fact that we are not prepared to add to employers’ social costs, which would create unemployment. This is the place to invest, to be competitive and to grow, and investors around the world recognise that and are acting on it.

     

    Q2. Mr. Eastham : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 7 December.

    The Prime Minister : I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave some moments ago.

    Mr. Eastham : A few months ago, the Select Committee on Trade and Industry undertook an inquiry into the aerospace engineering industry. That industry is one of our biggest exporters, contributing £2.7 billion to our balance of payments. The all-party Committee recommended to the House–

    Madam Speaker : Order. I really must have a question from the hon. Gentleman now.

    Mr. Eastham : Will the Prime Minister look at that report, in which the Committee recommended that special aid be given to the industry over the next 10 years? That would reinforce the industrial base which the Prime Minister is always talking about.

    The Prime Minister : I know the hon. Gentleman’s long-standing interest in the aerospace industry. Equally, he will know that the Government have done more to assist the aerospace industry in recent years than either any party in the history of this House or other countries across Europe.

    Mr. Ward : Does my right hon. Friend agree that the collapse of the GATT round would be a disaster for world trade and that it would affect in particular the EC and third-world countries? Will he do all that he can to get it back on track?

    The Prime Minister : I agree with my hon. Friend about the importance of the GATT round. There have been substantial discussions between the European Community negotiator and Mr. Kantor from the United States in the past 24 hours. They have not yet reached agreement on all the issues. Substantial progress has been made and I hope that they will soon be able to go to Geneva where any outstanding matters can then be solved. I must repeat a point that I have made to the House before : the advantages of a satisfactory agreement in the Uruguay round are profound, not just for the industrialised countries in the north but for countries in the south that need our markets open to them for their future. The consequences of a failure in the GATT round could be damaging, not just for the industrial countries but for everyone. I hope that each country that finds itself unable to agree to any minor part of that agreement will consider the implications for the whole world if the agreement is not signed.

     

    Q3. Mr. Kirkwood : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 7 December.

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

    Mr. Kirkwood : Will the Prime Minister accept that thousands and thousands of second marriages in this country may simply be blown apart by the additional financial pressure caused by Christmas unless the Government act immediately on the recommendations of the Social Security Select Committee on the operation of the Child Support Agency? Will the Prime Minister take personal charge of framing the Government’s response to that report– [Interruption.] –so that the recommendations can be taken as a whole and acted upon before the House rises for the Christmas recess? [Interruption.] The Prime Minister must understand that the bipartisan Opposition support that the Child Support Agency has enjoyed to date will be put at risk, or may even be withdrawn, unless he does that before Christmas.

    The Prime Minister : I caught the gist of the hon. Gentleman’s question, but I am afraid that, with the disruption immediately in front of him, I did not catch all of it. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security and I welcome the Committee’s unequivocal support for the basic principles that underpin the Child Support Act 1991. My right hon. Friend is examining the recommendations that were made by the Select Committee, together with comments and observations made by other people recently. He will reply as soon as he has completed that examination. We will ensure that there is no unnecessary delay.

     

    Q4. Mr. Harry Greenway : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 7 December.

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

    Mr. Greenway : Has my right hon. Friend had a chance to see today’s report of the new schools inspectorate which speaks of real improvements in many schools, but says that some primary schools should achieve higher standards and that joined-up writing should be taught to children before the age of eight? Is it not time for some joined-up thinking on education from the Labour party?

    The Prime Minister : On the last point, my hon. Friend must not ask for too much. He certainly must not ask Opposition Members to run before they can walk. As Her Majesty’s chief inspector said, the report published this morning shows that what he calls “significant dividends” are now flowing from the national curriculum and testing. The report also puts the spotlight on some continuing problems that we are determined to tackle. For example, it is unacceptable for some pupils, particularly those in inner- city schools, to be short changed by an inadequate education. I can assure the House that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education will make full use of his powers to ensure that those children receive an adequate education.

    Ms Corston : Is the Prime Minister aware that the miserly 50p a week announced by the Chancellor to assist pensioners with their fuel bills means that a pensioner with gas and electricity will spend 10 weeks’ money in one year just paying the VAT on the standing charge? Is not that a further fraud on the British pensioner?

    The Prime Minister : The hon. Lady has neglected to mention that £1.2 billion extra will be available to help 15 million people meet the costs of their fuel. She also neglected to acknowledge that that extra help is built into the base of the pension and is a permanent addition upon which future increases are paid. At the end of the three-year period, a number of pensioners will find full compensation and others will be very nearly to it. That is not a miserly contribution.

     

    Q5. Mr. Gallie : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 7 December.

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

    Mr. Gallie : Is my right hon. Friend aware of the technical and cost -effective successes of Jetstream Prestwick in the production of turbo-prop aircraft? Is my right hon. Friend further aware of the problems it faces from a highly subsidised and competitive marketplace which is currently restricted?

    The Prime Minister : My hon. Friend is a formidable fighter for Prestwick and for Jetstream. I am aware, of course, of the tradition of success of the Jetstream turbo-prop aircraft. As my hon. Friend knows from his meeting with my right hon. Friend the Minister for Industry, both the Department of Trade and Industry and the Scottish Office remain in close touch with Jetstream about the future. [Interruption.]

    Madam Speaker : Order. The Prime Minister.

    The Prime Minister : You must let the hon. Member for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley (Mr. Foulkes) shout for a minute Madam Speaker–it clears all that is in his brain.

    DTI officials are today meeting Jetstream to consider how to pursue its representations on unfair support to manufacturers overseas. I understand that my right hon. Friend the Minister for Industry will be meeting Jetstream later this month to discuss the up-to-date position.

  • PMQT Written Answers – 6 December 1993

    Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 6th December 1993.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    Information Systems

    Mr. Cousins : To ask the Prime Minister in how many Departments the management information systems for Ministers–MINIS–has been in force since November 1990 and over what periods; and what were the setting up times and costs in each case.

    The Prime Minister : The Department of the Environment adopted MINIS –the management information systems for Ministers–in 1979. The Department of Trade and Industry introduced MINIS in June 1992. MINIS was described as a good example for Departments to look at when the financial management initiative was launched in 1982 and elements have subsequently been incorporated into other Departments’ top management systems. Estimates of the costs of running and developing individual departmental top management systems since November 1990 are not available.

     

    Security Services

    Mr. Cohen : To ask the Prime Minister what is the delineation of the responsibility of each security service organisation for counter- proliferation; and if he will make a statement.

    The Prime Minister : Countering the threat from proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is a high priority task for the Secret Intelligence Service, Government Communications Headquarters and the Security Service and the resources of the agencies devoted to that task have been increased. I do not propose to go into any further detail about their work.

     

    Official Residences

    Mr. Mullin : To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 30 November, if he will list the functions held at (a) No. 10 Downing Street and (b) Chequers since November 1990, where the cost of refreshments was paid for by a political party; how many guests attended; how much expenditure was reimbursed in each case; and what charge was made for the hire of facilities.

    The Prime Minister : Thirty-nine occasions have been held at 10 Downing Street or Chequers where the cost of refreshments was paid for by the Conservative party. As under previous Administrations, no charge was made for the hire of facilities. Expenditure is billed directly to the organisation concerned and no central records kept.

    Mr. Dowd : To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 29 November, Official Report, column 325, regarding fuel costs of official residences, if he will provide the names of the chairs of trustees for (a) Chequers, (b) Dorneywood and (c) Chevening.

    The Prime Minister [holding answer 2 December] : The Lord Privy Seal is the chairman of the board of trustees of both Chequers and Chevening. In the case of Dorneywood, the chairman is elected on an “ad hoc” basis at every meeting. The Lord Privy Seal is a member of the board of trustees and, in practice, it is customary for him to chair meetings if he is present.

     

    Information Security

    Mr. Cohen : To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement about the operation of his Department’s sensitive documents unit; how many staff are employed in its operation; and approximately how many documents per annum come within its purview.

    The Prime Minister : The Prime Minister’s records are reviewed for any continuing sensitivity 29 years after their creation. Approximately 42 linear feet of records are reviewed each year, by a part-time member of my staff, in accordance with the guidelines contained in chapter 9 of the “Open Government” White Paper–Cm 2290. About 4 per cent. of the records reviewed are retained and these are subject to regular re-review.

     

    Thermal Oxide Reprocessing Plant

    Mr. Llew Smith : To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to discuss Irish responses to the consultation on THORP at his next meeting with his Irish counterpart.

    The Prime Minister : No.

     

    Special Advisers

    Mr. Matthew Taylor : To ask the Prime Minister (1) what procedures are in place to ensure that special advisers attached to Ministers have no pecuniary or other interests that may conflict with their duties;

    (2) if he will list the ways in which the rules applying to (a) the acceptance of outside appointments after resignation or retirement and (b) political activities by special advisers attached to Ministers differ from those applying to other civil servants.

    The Prime Minister : Special advisers are subject to the same rules on conflict of interest as other civil servants. If a conflict arises in relation to their duties they must declare the interest. The business appointment rules on the acceptance of appointments after resignation or retirement do not apply to special advisers. Arrangements are made to ensure they do not have access to the kind of information, and they are not involved in the type of business, that would be likely to create suspicion of impropriety in relation to subsequent employment. Advisers are allowed more freedom of political activity than other civil servants to the extent that, with the approval of their Minister, they may attend party functions, including the party conference as an observer, may maintain contacts with party members and may take part in policy reviews conducted by the party.

    Mr. Matthew Taylor : To ask the Prime Minister what was the total amount paid in salaries to special advisers attached to Ministers in each year since 1988 in (a) cash and (b) current prices.

    The Prime Minister : The information requested is as follows :

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

    |£ million |£ million

    ————————————————————————

    June 1993 |1.37 |1.37

    September 1992 |1.3 |1.34

    September 1991 |1.1 |1.18

    July 1990 |0.95 |1.08

    June 1989 |0.93 |1.15

    September 1988 |0.74 |0.97

    <1> Not including earnings-related national insurance contribution and other personnel overheads.

    <2> Calculated using the GDP deflator.

    Mr. Matthew Taylor : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list (a) the annual salaries paid to special advisers attached to Ministers in bands of £10,000 and (b) the number of advisers whose salary falls within each band.

    The Prime Minister : The information requested is as follows :

    Salary band £ |Number of special advisers<1>

    ——————————————————

    0- 10,000 |2

    10- 20,000 |1

    20- 30,000 |10

    30- 40,000 |5

    40- 50,000 |8

    50- 60,000 |6

    60- 70,000 |-

    70- 80,000 |-

    80- 90,000 |2

    90-100,000 |1

    <1> As at 1 November 1993.

     

    Civil Servants

    Mr. Vaz : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list for each civil service grade in his Department (a) the total number of people employed, (b) the total number of black people and (c) the total number of Asians.

    The Prime Minister : For recruitment purposes, my Office is part of the Cabinet Office. The figures for that Department, excluding its executive agencies and the CCTA–Government Centre for Information Systems- -are set out. Ethnic monitoring in the civil service is carried out on a voluntary basis. Figures for Asian and black staff therefore only include those who have chosen so to describe themselves.

    Equivalent Grade |Total |Black |Asian

    ————————————————————————————-

    1 |3 |0 |0

    2 |17 |0 |0

    3 |19 |0 |0

    4 |0 |0 |0

    5 |41 |0 |0

    6 |27 |1 |0

    7 |109 |0.5 |0

    AT/HEO(D) |16 |0 |0

    SEO |49 |0 |0

    HEO |85.5 |0 |0

    EO |180.5 |5 |4.5

    AO |243 |26 |9

    AA |151 |15 |6.5

    |——- |——- |——-

    Total |941 |47.5 |20

    Full time equivalent staff in post figures as at 2 December 1993.

     

    Departmental Files

    Mr. Alan Williams : To ask the Prime Minister how many files marked “Not for National Audit Office eyes” are held by the Department; and how many are marked “Not for Public Accounts Committee eyes.”

    The Prime Minister : No files marked “Not for NAO eyes” are held by my Department. There is no such classification as “Not for PAC eyes”.

    Mr. Byers : To ask the Prime Minister how many files marked “Not for National Audit Office eyes” are held by his Department.

    The Prime Minister [holding answer 3 December 1993] : None.

     

    Year of the Family

    Miss Lestor : To ask the Prime Minister what action is proposed by Her Majesty’s Government to celebrate the UN Year of the Family 1994; and which Minister is responsible for its co-ordination and implementation.

    The Prime Minister : Family policy bears on the responsibilities of a number of Government Departments, who in 1994 and beyond will be taking appropriate steps within their remits to strengthen our commitment to the family. We also support the United Kingdom Association for the International Year of the Family, which will be organising and overseeing activities within the United Kingdom during the year.

    During the International Year of the Family, domestic and international issues touching on the family will continue to be led and co-ordinated in the usual way, depending on the key departmental interest. However, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security will act as a liaison point for the co-ordination and exchange of information about and during the year.

     

    Redundancies and Closures

    Mr. Foulkes : To ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will list all hon. Members whom he has personally met concerning redundancies or closures in their constituencies, the dates of each of the meetings and the precise nature and numbers of redundancies involved;

    (2) what is his policy concerning meetings with hon. Members about redundancies or closures in their constituencies;

    (3) if he will now meet the Ayrshire hon. Members to discuss redundancies at Jetstream and the long-term threat to the plant.

    The Prime Minister : I understand that my right hon. Friend the Minister for Industry met a group of hon. Members to discuss Jetstream on 25 November.

    Ministers at the Department of Trade and Industry and I often discuss such matters with right hon. and hon. Members.

     

    Ex-service Men

    Mr. Wareing : To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has received calling for the setting up of a department of veterans’ affairs to cover the needs of ex-service men; what consideration he is giving to dealing with such requests positively; and if he will make a statement.

    The Prime Minister [holding answer 2 December] : I have received a number of letters from right hon. and hon. Members and members of the public on this matter, but I do not believe that the establishment of a separate department for ex-service affairs would result in a better service for ex-service men and women. The facilities of the health service and social security system are available to all and provision for veterans is integrated with that for the population as a whole; a new department would simply add another tier of administration.

    We recognise, however, that some ex-service personnel may encounter difficulties on returning to civilian life. We are therefore committed to the provision of comprehensive resettlement advice and support. We also recognise the particular needs of disabled ex-service personnel; we have not only preserved the preferential provisions of the war pensions scheme, but have also done much to enhance it.

  • PMQT Written Answers – 2 December 1993

    Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 2nd December 1993.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    THORP

    Mr. Llew Smith : To ask the Prime Minister what matters in regard to the thermal oxide reprocessing plant at Sellafield were discussed in his recent meetings with (a) Prime Minister Brundtland of Norway and (b) Chancellor Kohl of Germany.

    The Prime Minister : In my recent meetings with Prime Minister Brundtland of Norway and Chancellor Kohl of Germany, we discussed a range of issues.

     

    Iraq (Weapons)

    Mr. Cohen : To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the evidence given to the Scott inquiry in relation to the former Prime Minister’s answer of 21 April 1989, Official Report , column 311.

    The Prime Minister : No. While Lord Justice Scott’s inquiry continues, it would not be right to comment on any of the evidence that has so far been taken.

     

    Engagements

    Mr. Harry Greenway : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 2 December.

    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.

  • PMQT – 2 December 1993

    Below is the text of Prime Minister’s Question Time from 2nd December 1993.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    Engagements

    Q1. Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 2 December.

    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. Jones : Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the vital importance of the north Wales railway line to the economy of north-west Wales, an importance recognised by the European Community? Yesterday’s announcement about improvements to the west coast main line omitted to include any reference to the section to Holyhead. The Chancellor in his Budget statement did not even mention north Wales. May I impress on the Prime Minister the need to include the north Wales section in that programme, which should also include new rolling stock as well as track improvements?

    The Prime Minister : I am afraid that I cannot give the hon. Gentleman any immediate commitment to that section of rail. Of course, in due course that will be a decision for Railtrack in conjunction with operators on the line. They will have to determine whether a commercial case exists for upgrading, electrifying or whatever appears to be appropriate for the north Wales line.

    Our commitment to the west coast main line is now clearly stated. The introduction of private finance can play a very substantial part both in the improvement of the line and in the renewal of much of the infrastructure.

     

    Q2. Mr. Ian Bruce : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 2 December.

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

    Mr. Bruce : Will my right hon. Friend take this opportunity to condemn the merciless way in which Opposition spokesmen tried to frighten pensioners–

    Madam Speaker : Order. The Prime Minister is not responsible for Opposition policy or activities.

    Mr. Bruce : Indeed, Madam Speaker.

    Will my right hon. Friend confirm that the Government have fulfilled their commitments to pensioners? Will not the tough fiscal stance that we are continuing to take ensure that low interest rates and low inflation, which are the cornerstone of our recovery, continue to benefit both industry and the public?

    The Prime Minister : I certainly condemn scares, from wherever they may come. The Budget is delivering our policies to pensioners. We are delivering low inflation to protect their savings, we have uprated the pension to meet the cost of VAT on fuel, and we have introduced an income bond to give them a guaranteed income month after month. At the same time, we have been able to give a boost to business and to deliver sound public finance. The Budget is well on track to deliver, in due course, rising prosperity to all our citizens. I am glad to note that the hon. Member for Glasgow, Garscadden (Mr. Dewar) agrees with the Government that the proposed assistance to pensioners for fuel bills is adequate.

    Mr. John Smith : At a time of high unemployment, what is the moral justification for cutting entitlement to unemployment benefit from 12 to six months?

    The Prime Minister : As the right hon. and learned Gentleman knows, we have made substantial contributions towards both training and getting the unemployed back to work, which is the priority. Through unemployment benefit and subsequently, where necessary, through income support, we are ensuring that there is assistance for those who remain unemployed.

    Now, thankfully, we are seeing unemployment beginning to fall in every part of the country, and that is beginning to affect the long-term unemployed. The right hon. and learned Gentleman will know also that the majority of people who become unemployed are back in work within the six-month period for which they will still be entitled to unemployment benefit.

    Mr. Smith : Does the Prime Minister not begin to understand that it is a fraud on the public to raise national insurance contributions by a full 1 per cent. at the same time as cutting a benefit to which people have contributed all their working lives? Why do the Government not attack unemployment instead of attacking the unemployed?

    The Prime Minister : The right hon. and learned Gentleman had his own, rather more dramatic, plans for increasing national insurance contributions. At the same time, he has his own plans for unemployment– plans which would put it up. A new training tax on employers would put it up. A minimum wage would put it up. Businesses with new taxes levelled up to the higher rates in other European countries would put it up. Forcing employers to introduce a 35-hour week would put it up. That is the right hon. and learned Gentleman’s prescription for the economy. It would make more people unemployed, and for longer.

    Mr. Smith : Does the Prime Minister not understand that in the real world in which, unfortunately, unemployed people have to live, if their partners work more than 24 hours per week they move from unemployment benefit to nothing– [Interruption.] –No, it is 24 hours per week. It was changed by the Government, as the Secretary of State for Employment should understand. Does the Prime Minister not understand that, however low the income that the working partner earns, the unemployed partner will receive no benefit? Is that not disgraceful in a country with so many unemployed?

    The Prime Minister : The right hon. and learned Gentleman grows indignant in his usual fashion. Will he drop the policies that would make people unemployed, which he parades month after month? If not, what does he have to say to the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull, East (Mr. Prescott), who said of a national minimum wage : “I knew the consequences were that there would be a shake-out in unemployment. Any silly fool knew that”?

    Not quite any silly fool, it seems.

     

    Q3. Sir Thomas Arnold : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 2 December.

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

    Sir Thomas Arnold : Is my right hon. Friend aware of the widespread support for measures announced in the Budget to help small businesses? In particular, is he aware of the support for the announcement that the statutory audit for very small firms is to be abolished?

    The Prime Minister : Yes, I am aware of the support from many small business men and every small business organisation for the measures in the Budget. They do in a substantial way take the burdens off small businesses, abolish the audit requirement, and make matters simpler for more than 500,000 companies in this country. We are also raising the value added tax threshold to take 75,000 traders out of VAT. Ours is the only party committed to taking such measures to help small businesses.

    Mr. Ashdown : As the country waits to back the Prime Minister if he will take further risks for peace in Northern Ireland, will the right hon. Gentleman take this opportunity to reaffirm that he has no difficulty with the principle of separate and parallel self-determination for the people of the island of Ireland–north and south?

    The Prime Minister : For us, there is one fundamental point. It is that Northern Ireland’s status as part of the United Kingdom will not change without the freely expressed consent of the people of Northern Ireland.

    Mrs. Gillan : Has my right hon. Friend had time to reflect today on the overwhelming vote of support that the other place gave the Government last night?– [Laughter.]

    Madam Speaker : Order. This is a waste of time. [Hon. Members :- – “Yes.”] Order. The House is using up precious time.

    Mrs. Gillan : Is not that great success and the overwhelming support for the Budget on Tuesday further proof that the Labour party is totally out of touch with the British people, both in the other place and in this House?

    The Prime Minister : I do not know that my hon. Friend’s last comment about the Labour party being as out of touch in the other place as here can possibly be true. The reality is that it is rather odd to table a motion of no confidence in the Government in the other place the day after failing to vote against the Queen’s Speech. I rather suspect that the outcome of the vote in the House of Lords, where fewer than 100 Labour Peers were prepared to support the Opposition, shows a great lack of confidence in the Labour party in this House and nationally as well as in the leadership in the House of Lords. That may be because it used to be a serious party, but it is no longer that because it has no policies.

     

    Q4. Mr. Gordon Prentice : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 2 December.

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

    Mr. Prentice : Will the Prime Minister admit to any embarrassment or even mild contrition at presiding over the biggest tax rises in British post-war history? Is it not a grotesque betrayal of the people who voted for his party 18 months ago that he should now be introducing these colossal tax rises?

    The Prime Minister : I did not notice a great deal of complaint from the hon. Gentleman over the expenditure to protect people who were vulnerable during the recession. I did not hear a great deal from the hon. Gentleman about that. Broadly, had the Labour party won the election and were its members sitting on the Government Benches having implemented their programme, the increase to the average taxpayer now would have been about £24 a week.

    Mr. Dykes : Does my right hon. Friend feel that on Northern Ireland we can do without the shifting and swinging influence and suggestions of the Liberal Democrats, in view of the utterances of that party’s leader at the weekend? Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Government’s policy is clear and well balanced and provides the only way forward to a lasting and durable solution? I wish my right hon. Friend well for the meeting with the Taoiseach tomorrow.

    The Prime Minister : I am grateful to my hon. Friend and to other hon. Members who have indicated their support for the meeting tomorrow. I hope that we shall be able to make some further progress. There is an overwhelming feeling in Northern Ireland and elsewhere that we should seek to produce peace in Northern Ireland if we can, but there are parameters to those discussions and that must be understood. The first parameter is that to which I referred in answer to the right hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Ashdown), the leader of the Liberal Democrats, a moment ago.

     

    Q5. Mr. Milburn : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 2 December.

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

    Mr. Milburn : Is the Prime Minister aware of my constituent, Michael Gibson, who died in August this year 16 months after being violently assaulted in Darlington town centre? Is he also aware that Michael’s killer is now free to roam the streets again because the current law stipulates that a charge of murder can be brought only if a victim dies within 366 days of an offence taking place? Will the Prime Minister join me and the Gibson family in urging the Home Secretary to review a law which not only takes no account of advances in medical technology, but which simply fails to deliver justice?

    The Prime Minister : I was not aware of the particularly tragic case to which the hon. Gentleman refers. I should like to send my sympathy to the family. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary is looking at precisely that matter now.

    Mr. Nicholas Winterton : Is my right hon. Friend aware that all of us who entirely endorse his total and complete commitment to peace in Northern Ireland believe that one way of solving that desperate problem is to integrate Northern Ireland completely and entirely in the United Kingdom? Will he give the matter some consideration because many Members on both sides believe that that could bring the problems of Northern Ireland to a speedy conclusion?

    The Prime Minister : Among the principles agreed last year was an agreement, accepted across the House, that we were looking for an agreement that would stretch right across Northern Ireland and all the individuals who live in Northern Ireland. It is for that reason that we are pursuing, as we are at present, the objectives that I set out earlier.

     

    Q6. Mr. Michael : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 2 December.

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

    Mr. Michael : Will the Prime Minister face up to the implications of his Government’s Budget? Does he accept that not only the car worker, for whom he cried crocodile tears before the last election, but the average experienced police officer will pay well in excess of £500 extra in tax on their basic pay? Is the right hon. Gentleman proud of presiding over the biggest tax bill ever for the British public?

    The Prime Minister : The hon. Gentleman might bear in mind that probably the car worker whom he is talking about is now exporting and making more cars than ever before and therefore has a more secure future, not least because of the policies that we have followed to get down inflation and interest rates.