The Rt. Hon. Sir John Major KG CH

Category: Prime Minister (1990-1997)

  • Mr Major’s Comments on BCCI – 20 January 1993

    Below is the text of Mr Major’s comments on BCCI (The Bank of Credit and Commerce International), made in London on 20th January 1993.

    [The Prime Minister was asked about the collapse of BCCI]

    PRIME MINISTER:

    It was a very tragic collapse. We have to consider why it happened. It didn’t happen because of poor regulation by the Bank of England or indeed by any of the other regulators around the world; it happened because of a gigantic and monstrous criminal fraud; this is what actually happened.

    We have a deposit protection scheme and most of the depositors will get about 75% of their deposits back as a result of the deposit protection scheme.

    The independent inquiry into BCCI was held by Sir Thomas Bingham and although he had some criticisms of the Bank of England, he expressly did not think the Bank of England could have prevented the fraud but whatever the rights and wrongs of that may be, the important point to the businessmen concerned and the depositors concerned is whether they are going to get their money back and 75% of their money it seems for most of them will come back.

  • Mr Major’s Doorstep Interview in London – 20 January 1993

    Below is the text of Mr Major’s doorstep interview in London, held on Wednesday 20th January 1993.

    QUESTION:

    Prime Minister, what is your message to President Clinton as he takes office today?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I send him my very best wishes on his inauguration today and for his term of office. His success as President of the United States is important not just for the United States but for everyone in Europe and beyond. I think there is absolutely no doubt about that. So I wish him the warmest best wishes, he is taking on a remarkable task, I am sure he is well equipped to do it and I look forward to working with him.

    QUESTION:

    Are you going to be able to establish a close working relationship?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I see no reason why not, we have had a number of telephone conversations so far, we have touched on a wide range of issues, some of them detailed, some of them generalist. We expect to have a meeting pretty soon and I have no doubt we will be able to work together very satisfactorily.

    QUESTION:

    You discussed Iraq with President Clinton on the phone last night, are you and he prepared to step up the level of hostilities against Saddam Hussein if he fails to live up to his new promises?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    It has always been the position of the United States and the United Kingdom that the Iraqis must keep to the Security Council resolutions. President-elect Clinton has made it clear that will be his position in future too.

    QUESTION:

    Do you think you might be tempted to take up on Mr Clinton’s domestic policies to get the economy going here?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    We have set out our domestic policies for getting the economy going and the Chancellor no doubt will address all these matters in his budget in due course, beyond that I am not being drawn.

    QUESTION:

    Will you be taking seriously Saddam Hussein’s offer of a ceasefire?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    We will have to wait and see what actually he means by it, we have seen offers from him before, we have also seen the outcome of it before, let us see whether there is any practical action, in particular let us see whether he is going to obey the Security Council resolutions with let, without hindrance and without frustrations, that would be a great move forward if he would do that.

    QUESTION:

    The French government has criticised the bombing raid on the Baghdad nuclear plant as a step too far, do you share that concern?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    No, I do not share that concern at all, this was a raid made by the United States rather than the allies because they had the equipment in site to do it, but there was discussion between the allies, including the French, the legal position is quite clear, this was within international law and I think the United States were wholly justified. I have no reservations about it.

  • PMQT Written Answers – 19 January 1993

    Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 19th January 1993.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    Engagements

    Sir Peter Tapsell : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 19 January.

    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.

     

    Office Staff

    Mr. Winnick : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list all the staff of his Office and their grades.

    The Prime Minister [holding answer 18 January 1993] : The information is as follows :

    Principal private secretary (Grade 3)

    Private secretary–overseas affairs (Grade 3)

    Chief press secretary (Grade 3)

    8 Special advisers

    Deputy chief press secretary (Grade 5)

    Secretary for appointments (Grade 5)

    Private secretary–economic affairs (Grade 5)

    2 Private secretaries–Parliamentary affairs and home affairs (Grade 7)

    4 Senior information officers

    2 Senior executive officers

    5 Higher executive officers

    2 Assistants

    10 Executive officers

    22 Senior personal secretaries

    4 Personal secretaries

    11 Administrative officers

    4 Typists

    1 House manager

    1 Door keeper

    13 Support grade band 2

    10 Support grade band 1

    1 Support manager 3

    1 Senior cook

    In addition there are 10 custody guards, nine telephonists and four drivers who are not employed by my Office.

     

    Trade Union Reform and Employment Rights Bill

    Mr. Vaz : To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has received on the Trade Union Reform and Employment Rights Bill.

    The Prime Minister : I have received a number of representations since the Bill was published on 5 November.

    The Bill will increase the rights of trade union members, enhance the rights of individual employees, provide new protection for the community against the effects of unlawful industrial action, and improve the operation of the labour market.

     

    Electrical Engineering

    Mr. Pawsey : To ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will make a statement on Government support for electrical engineering; (2) what steps the Government have taken to reward excellence in the field of electrical engineering.

    The Prime Minister : My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has set up sectoral divisions, including electrical engineering, leading to a closer dialogue to promote the recognition and importance of electrical engineering within the United Kingdom economy. The Government acknowledge the importance of electrical engineering and fully support the industry through a range of assistance that includes overseas trade, research and development, regional support and promoting awareness.

    Excellence in the industry is acknowledged through the Queen’s awards including those for technology and exports, where electrical engineering is well represented. Additionally there are, of course, a number of people of eminence in the field of electrical engineering whose achievements have been recognised in the usual ways.

  • PMQT – 19 January 1993

    Below is the text of Prime Minister’s Question Time from 19th January 1993.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    Engagements

    Q1. Sir John Hannam : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 19 January.

    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.

    Sir John Hannam : Will my right hon. Friend confirm that the social chapter, which he skilfully negotiated out of the Maastricht treaty, would destroy investment, business confidence and jobs in this country? Is it not therefore the greatest hypocrisy to support such a damaging measure while at the same time claiming to care for the unemployed?

    The Prime Minister : My hon. Friend is entirely right about that. When I negotiated Britain’s exemption from the social chapter I seem to recall that I was accused of making Britain a paradise for foreign investment. I hope very much that that proves to be true. The reality is that the Opposition disagree about that. The truth is that they are hostile to industry and do not understand business. Until they drop their commitment to the social chapter they cannot also claim to be seeking lasting jobs.

    Mr. John Smith : On that very subject, is the Prime Minister aware that of all the Prime Ministers we have had since the war, he has the worst record for growth, the worst record for investment and the worst record for jobs? Is he not ashamed of such a miserable record?

    The Prime Minister : The right hon. and learned Gentleman is a fine one to talk about records. His record as shadow Chancellor lost Labour a record fourth election precisely because he proposed record tax increases.

    Mr. John Smith : Does the Prime Minister not note that he failed completely to deny that he had the worst growth record, the worst investment and the worst employment record? Since there is anger throughout the country [Interruption] –I hope that Conservative Members will not treat unemployment flippantly. Since there is growing anger throughout the whole country at rising unemployment why does the Prime Minister not agree to put a windfall profits tax on the excess profits of monopoly privatised companies and use the money to create jobs?

    The Prime Minister : The right hon. and learned Gentleman also forgot to mention another record of mine ; the record for bringing down inflation so that we can recreate lasting jobs. The fact is that what we just heard is the old Labour party speaking ; the party of the 1960s and 1970s. They hate profits. They would rather have nationalised industries making losses than privatised industries making profits. They cannot stand firms being successful and they do not understand that firms need profits to provide investment, to provide growth, and to provide jobs. That is why their record in government has always been one of complete and record failure.

    Mr. Smith : Can the Prime Minister explain to the House and to the country why it was all right for a Conservative Government to introduce an excess profits tax on banks in the first recession but now to oppose an excess profits tax on the privatised utilities? Does not the Prime Minister appreciate that every pound of these excess profits and of managers’ fat salaries has come from the British people? Is not it time that they got some of it back to create jobs for them and their families?

    The Prime Minister : I am quite happy to educate the right hon. and learned Gentleman about that, since he clearly does not understand. In the early 1980s interest rates were raised sharply to control inflation. At that time, the banks did not pay interest on current accounts. As a result of that, they genuinely made windfall profits. That was why the Government taxed them. The utility tax that the right hon. and learned Gentleman proposes– [Interruption.]

    Madam Speaker : Order. The House must come to order. I cannot hear the Prime Minister.

    The Prime Minister : Labour Members do not like understanding reality ; they do not like it at all. The fact of the matter is that the utilities are already regulated. If they make excessive profits, the regulator can change their pricing formula, and he has already changed BT’s from RPI minus three to RPI minus 6.25–real price cuts for consumers, which we never saw under a nationalised industry. That is why the appropriate policy is tough regulation, not 1960s artificial control.

    Mr. Sims : I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister shares the widespread concern about the collapse of criminal proceedings against a couple whose daughter died a violent death because they invoked their right to say nothing. Is he aware that the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children has details of 10 similar cases? Whatever the arguments may be for or against the right of silence in cases generally, is not there a strong argument in favour of reviewing its application in cases where children have been cruelly treated or even killed?

    The Prime Minister : I cannot, of course, discuss the particular case raised by my hon. Friend, but I understand the concerns that he expresses. Decisions on whether to prosecute are entirely for the Crown prosecution service. My hon. Friend may know that the right to silence is one of the matters being considered by the Royal Commission on criminal justice. I would not wish to anticipate its report.

     

    Q2. Mr. Mackinlay : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 19 January.

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

    Mr. Mackinlay : Will the Prime Minister give the reason for the rising and record levels of unemployment in Essex–a county which includes my constituency of Thurrock and, of course, the betrayed people of Basildon?

    The Prime Minister : I will tell the hon. Gentleman one thing that is very clear about unemployment : it will fall as a result of this Government’s policies. That is what he had better understand.

    Mr. Couchman : Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is ironic indeed that in the very week when the Leader of the Opposition produces a phoney budget for jobs the hon. Member for Ogmore (Mr. Powell) is seeking to destroy 140,000 Sunday jobs, which are vital to many families in this country?

    The Prime Minister : On this and other issues the reality is that Labour policy is inconsistent. It changes not only from election to election but from week to week. Not long ago, the right hon. and learned Member for Monklands, East (Mr. Smith) proposed the biggest tax increases in peace time. Nine months later, he said categorically that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor should not increase taxes in the Budget, but 10 days later he calls for a windfall tax.

     

    Q3. Mr. Rooker : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 19 January.

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

    Mr. Rooker : Can I ask the Prime Minister if, until unemployment starts to fall, he will make it part of his political strategy to assist the unemployed by easing the rules on social security benefits so that those unemployed people who have household responsibilities and who are in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s can genuinely take advantage of opportunities to improve their education and training rather than, as at present, be penalised if they study too much or lose their homes if they have household responsibilities? For a very small investment in people, we could have a huge return for the country.

    The Prime Minister : The hon. Gentleman makes a point which is well worth considering, and in the past we have looked at some matters related to it. This is the sort of matter which we are prepared to examine. The hon. Gentleman will know from his own experience in social security that there is significant help, for example, with mortgages, and he will also know the additional help that is being given to people towards training and studying.

     

    Q4. Mr. Harry Greenway : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 19 January.

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

    Mr. Greenway : Will my right hon. Friend join me in condemning trendy, mixed ability teaching– [Interruption.] Opposition Members are products of it–which has so damaged the education of millions of children since the 1960s? [Interruption.] I hope they care. Are not moves to return the teaching of children to traditional methods just plain common sense? Is it not now also time to end trendy teacher-training methods?

    The Prime Minister : My hon. Friend is a distinguished former head teacher so I particularly welcome his remarks. I agree that the way forward is to return to the basics of education, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education said yesterday that we had plans to strengthen primary education. I am sure that we are right to look carefully also at getting the teaching methods right. Common-sense, practical teaching which puts good teachers in front of good children is undoubtedly the right way to improve our education system.

    Mr. Ray Powell : Is it not fair that when an hon. Member is named or mentioned in a Prime Minister’s question the Member involved should have the right to reply? I respect and thank you, Madam Speaker, for calling me. [Interruption.]

    Madam Speaker : Order. Give the hon. Gentleman a chance to put his question.

    Mr. Powell : Obviously, the Prime Minister, as with a lot of the policies that he has presented to the House, is misguided and is misrepresenting facts. The question that he was asked regarding a Bill that I will present on Friday

    Madam Speaker : Order. I must now call the hon. Gentleman to order. I am looking for a very direct question to the Prime Minister, right away.

    Mr. Powell : The Bill is an all-party Bill supported by five of the Prime Minister’s colleagues. It is not a Labour party Bill and therefore the Prime Minister should correct the answer that he gave just now.

    The Prime Minister : The hon. Gentleman will, no doubt, be a firm advocate of his own Bill in a few days’ time. I can tell him that in due course my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary will bring proposals to the House and will give it a series of alternatives upon which to make up its mind on this thorny issue.

     

    Q5. Mr. Barry Field : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 19 January.

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

    Mr. Field : Does my right hon. Friend welcome the publication of the highway code today ? Will he ensure that copies are made available to Opposition Members, some of whom seem to be stuck on a roundabout, uncertain as to which exit to take, while others seem intent on overtaking their leaders on the inside, while we on the Government side look forward to a major road ahead?

    The Prime Minister : I should like, if I may, to try to respond to that testing question. I very much welcome the publication of the new highway code. I am bound to say that it does seem to me extremely important that the Leader of the Opposition perhaps should study it. He might learn, after his proposals this morning, that he should not signal right when he is turning left.

    Sir David Steel : Will the Prime Minister clarify the support that the Government give to enforcement action against Saddam Hussein? Is it correct that that support will be given only as long as the action is in accordance with international law in agreement with our coalition partners and involves the minimum necessary use of force?

    The Prime Minister : Yes, I can confirm to the right hon. Gentleman that that has been the position thus far, and it is our position, as my right hon. and learned Friend the Defence Secretary set out the other day.

  • PMQT Written Answers – 18 January 1993

    Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 18th January 1993.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    Engineers

    Mr. Pawsey : To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to restrict the use of the term “engineer” in official Government documents to only chartered or incorporated engineers.

    The Prime Minister : In referring to engineers, Government documents should make it clear whether particular qualifications are envisaged but, in the absence of any general restriction on the use of the term “engineer”, it would not be appropriate to restrict its use to specified categories of engineer which form only part of the wider engineering profession. The Fairclough initiative is, however, examining this issue and the Government will consider its recommendations when received.

    Mr. Pawsey : To ask the Prime Minister what recent representations he has received from the Institution of Electrical Engineers.

    The Prime Minister : I have recently received a letter from the institution concerning vocational qualifications and my office will respond in due course.

     

    Travel Expenses

    Mr. Llew Smith : To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his reply on 9 December 1992, Official Report, column 668, if he is now in a position to publish the total cost to the Exchequer for his travels within the European Communities since 1 July 1992.

    The Prime Minister : The total cost of my travels within the European Communities between 1 July and 31 December 1992 is estimated to be £328,000.

     

    Polling Stations (Access)

    Mr. McMaster : To ask the Prime Minister what proposals he has to co -ordinate policies between Scotland and England and Wales on the operation of schemes to purchase temporary ramps to improve access to polling stations; and if he will make a statement.

    The Prime Minister : None. In England and Wales and in Scotland, a grant of 50 per cent. of the cost is available towards the purchase of temporary ramps to provide access to polling stations for disabled voters.

     

    Standards of Conduct

    Mr. Peter Bottomley : To ask the Prime Minister if he will introduce legislation to require (a) political parties in advertisements, (b) lawyers in court and (c) journalists in newspapers to (i) tell the truth, (ii) provide equal length or space to a right to reply, (iii) submit controversial claims to a statutory tribunal and (iv) submit themselves to fines for transgressing or for appearing at the time of judgment to have transgressed good taste or a code of conduct.

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

     

    Forestry

    Mr. Hanson : To ask the Prime Minister if he will bring forward proposals to introduce an integrated United Kingdom policy on forestry, covering (a) consumption of forests, (b) problems caused by deforestation, (c) the links between forestry and third world debt and (d) import controls on hardwoods.

    The Prime Minister : The Government are committed to working for the effective implementation of the statement of principles on the world’s forests agreed at the United Nations conference on environment and development in Rio last June. As part of this process we are preparing a United Kingdom national plan for forests. Policies on the issues listed in the question need to be integrated and co-ordinated with our broader environmental aid and trade policies. Co-ordination is achieved by regular contact between the Government Departments responsible for these matters.

     

    Office and Travel Costs

    Mr. Winnick : To ask the Prime Minister what is the total cost to public funds of overseas travel by himself and those accompanying him on official business since he has held his present position to the most recent available date.

    The Prime Minister : The total cost of my overseas official visits undertaken between 22 November 1990 and 31 December 1992 is estimated to be £1,816,000.

    Mr. Winnick : To ask the Prime Minister what are the total costs of running his office, including travel, in each year since 1989-90.

    The Prime Minister : The costs are as follows :

    |£

    ——————————

    1989-90 |7,669,276

    1990-91 |8,225,816

    1991-92 |8,663,758

    Note: Salaries and wages, notional pension liability, administration costs, the costs of office and the grant-in-aid to the Chequers Trust are included. The Prime Minister’s salary is excluded.

     

    Jamaica

    Mr. Kaufman : To ask the Prime Minister if he will make representations within the European Community for the suspension of all economic aid to, and favourable trade arrangements with, Jamaica until that country improves its human rights record.

    The Prime Minister [holding answer 15 January 1993] : We discuss aid policy towards specific developing countries regularly with other member states and with the European Commission. Full account of human rights considerations is taken in these discussions. We have no plans to argue for the suspension of economic aid to, and favourable trade arrangements with, Jamaica.

     

    Company Directors

    Mr. Llew Smith : To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the progress made to date in his policy of encouraging company directors to voluntarily keep their wages and other remunerations at levels that do not promote wage inflation.

    The Prime Minister [holding answer 15 January 1993] : As I have previously made clear, pay in the private sector is a matter for the private sector to determine. However, I am encouraged by evidence that average boardroom pay increases are now falling to more realistic levels.

     

    Press Office

    Mr. Milburn : To ask the Prime Minister how many staff were employed by his press office in each year since 1979.

    The Prime Minister [holding answer 15 January 1993] : Ten people including support staff are currently employed in 10 Downing Street on press and public relations activities. Detailed figures were not recorded separately prior to 1987-88, but until 1 April 1992 the complement was eight. This was then increased to 10 by the addition of one press officer and one typist, to enable the press office to respond effectively to the growing number of press inquiries.

     

    Value Added Tax

    Mr. Alfred Morris : To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his reply to the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe on the level of value added tax on bloodstock in the United Kingdom and the rates levied in France and Ireland, Official Report, 28 October 1992, column 288, what subsequent representations he has received on the issue; what replies were made ; what action has now been taken; and if he will make a statement on the Government’s current policy on this issue.

    The Prime Minister [holding answer 10 December 1992] : The Commissioners of Customs and Excise have just received the Jockey Club’s report to the Paymaster General on this subject. It is being considered as quickly and constructively as possible.

  • Mr Major’s Doorstep Interview in London – 17 January 1993

    Below is the text of Mr Major’s doorstep interview held in London on Sunday 17th January 1993.

    QUESTION:

    Is this a punishment that fits the crime of Saddam Hussein?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    The action that was taken this evening was taken after a great deal of consideration, after a great deal of consultation and after giving Iraq every opportunity to comply with the Security Council resolutions. They were aware that they were breaking them. They were blatantly breaking them and they were aware that they were at risk of a response. And after very careful consultation between the allies there was a response.

    QUESTION:

    Did you counsel caution on President Bush?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    No, there was complete agreement between the allies about the nature and timing of the response this evening. It has been discussed for two or three days. I have had a number of discussions over the weekend with President Bush and the outcome of those discussions and with President Mitterrand and others was the action taken this evening.

    QUESTION:

    [Indistinct] action if necessary?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I am not going to anticipate what may happen now. We have said repeatedly that there are Security Council resolutions that we require Iraq to comply with. They know that. It could not possibly be clearer to them. They have been told time and time and time again. They have now had illustrations that if they will not comply with the Security Council resolutions then there will be a response. I hope they will comply.

    QUESTION:

    Do you regret the civilian casualties?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    We do not yet know any details about that. The military advice I have is that it is very unlikely, that those casualties, if you mean the Rashid Hotel, that the casualties were caused by the action of the United States. We do not know that. There was a great deal of random and haphazard fire from within Baghdad and it may well be that that was self inflicted but at this moment we do not know.

    QUESTION:

    What about British military involvement, do you expect any of that?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I am not going to anticipate what may happen in the future. On this occasion it was considered operationally the right way to deal with the problem was to use the Tomahawk cruise missiles and that was what happened.

    QUESTION:

    What about those who say that this was reckless and will escalate problems in the Gulf?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I disagree with them. The problems, originally the invasion of Kuwait came from Iraq. The disobedience of the Security Council resolutions is by Iraq. It is not just the occasional disobedience, it’s wilfully disobeying the requirements of the international community time and time again. He has been courting trouble, he has had trouble. He knew what was likely to happen. It has happened.

    QUESTION:

    Will you be making a statement Prime Minister to the House of Commons tomorrow?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    The Defence Secretary will make a statement tomorrow afternoon.

  • PMQT Written Answers – 15 January 1993

    Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 15th January 1993.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    Calcutt Inquiry

    Mr. Tony Banks : To ask the Prime Minister when he was first advised of the contents of the letter from Lord McGregor to Sir David Calcutt.

    The Prime Minister : The first I knew of Lord McGregor’s letter was when it appeared in the national press.

     

    Yugoslavia

    Mr. Wareing : To ask the Prime Minister when he responded to a letter dated 9 December 1992 from President Dobrica Cosic of Yugoslavia concerning the conflict in the former Yugoslavia; if he will indicate what his response has been; and if he will seek agreement to the publication of the correspondence.

    The Prime Minister : I replied to President Cosic ‘s letter on 11 January. I believe it important to maintain the confidentiality of such correspondence.

     

    Denmark

    Mr. Spearing : To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 14 December, Official Report, column 37, what is the basis for clear distinction between the intergovernmental binding decision in respect of Denmark taken in Edinburgh, and a treaty judiciable at the International Court at The Hague.

    The Prime Minister : In the EC context treaty’ is normally used for an instrument amending the Community treaties and thus requiring ratification. The decision in respect of Denmark does not amend either the Maastricht treaty or the earlier Community treaties and does not require ratification. It is, like a treaty, binding in international law.

     

    Jamaica

    Mr. Kaufman : To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it the policy of Her Majesty’s Government to withdraw all British economic aid to Jamaica if hangings are recommenced there in February.

    The Prime Minister : No. But in line with normal practice, our bilateral aid policy for Jamaica will continue to take full account of all human rights considerations.

     

    Seals (Russia)

    Mr. Simon Hughes : To ask the Prime Minister what written evidence or information Her Majesty’s Government have received from the Russian authorities concerning the seal cull in Russia; and if he will make a statement.

    The Prime Minister : The Russian authorities informed us of the 1992 culling quotas of 7,300 and 2,300 for adult hooded and harp seals respectively. We have not received any figures for 1993. The Russian authorities are well aware of public concern in the United Kingdom about seal culling.

     

    Human Rights

    Mr. Soley : To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to incorporate article 10 of the European convention on human rights into British law.

    The Prime Minister : No. Our policy remains not to incorporate the European convention on human rights into domestic law, since we believe that it is for Parliament, rather than the judiciary, to determine how the principles of human rights in the convention are best secured.

     

    Honours (Withdrawal)

    Mr. Winnick : To ask the Prime Minister under what circumstances he would recommend to the Queen that awards be withdrawn posthumously; and if he will make a statement.

    The Prime Minister [holding answer 14 January 1993] : None that I can foresee, but the forfeiture of awards is considered on a case-by-case basis.

     

    Prince and Princess of Wales

    Mr. Redmond : To ask the Prime Minister what consultations he held with (a) the Prince and (b) the Princess of Wales prior to his statement of 9 December 1992.

    The Prime Minister : I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz) on Tuesday 12 January at column 697.

  • PMQT Written Answers – 14 January 1993

    Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 14th January 1993.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    Objectives

    Q8. Mr. Simon Hughes : To ask the Prime Minister what are his objectives for 1993.

    The Prime Minister : Among the Government’s objectives for 1993 are continuing to work for economic growth and recovery and to encourage British industry to take advantage of the great opportunities offered by the single market; reducing the burden of regulations on business; pressing ahead with our reforms of education and health so that there will be more grant-maintained schools and more GP fund holders; continuing to drive for a return to basics in our schools and to give parents more information about how their children are doing; extending home ownership; making further progress with privatisation and contracting out; strengthening and modernising our police force and cracking down on juvenile offenders in particular; continuing our reforms as part of the citizens charter programme to give more power to those who use our public services; bringing forward proposals to develop a network of voluntary help in local communities; defending Britain’s interests in Europe and the world.

     

    Edinburgh Summit

    Mr. Dalyell : To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral statement in answer to the hon. Member for Linlithgow, of 14 December, Official Report, column 34, what was the result of his inquiries relating to Telecom’s arrangements for incoming calls at the Meadowbank stadium for journalists attending the Edinburgh summit.

    The Prime Minister : I wrote to the hon. Member on 16 December setting out the telecommunications arrangements at the European Council media centre.

     

    Peerages

    Mr. William Powell : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the peerages created since 30 November 1990, together with the dates on which the holders were introduced.

    The Prime Minister : The information is as follows :

    Peers created under the Appellate Jurisdiction Act 1876

    |Created |Introduced

    Lord Browne-Wilkinson (a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary) |1 October 1991 |15 October 1991

    Lord Mustill (a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary) |10 January 1992 |11 March 1992

    Lord Slynn (a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary) |11 March 1992 |11 March 1992

    Lord Woolf (a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary) |1 October 1992 |1 November 1992

    Peers created under the Life Peers Act 1958

    Lord Waddington |4 December 1990 |4 December 1990

    Lord Sterling of Plaistow |17 January 1991 |23 January 1991

    Lord White of Hull |25 January 1991 |29 January 1991

    Lord Runcie |1 February 1991 |26 February 1991

    Lord Pallumbo |4 February 1991 |12 February 1991

    Lord Griffiths of Fforestfach |5 February 1991 |20 February 1991

    Baroness James of Holland Park |7 February 1991 |19 February 1991

    Lord Laing of Dunphail |8 February 1991 |19 February 1991

    Baroness Seccombe |14 February 1991 |26 February 1991

    Lord Wolfson of Sunningdale |26 March 1991 |26 March 1991

    Lord Desai |5 June 1991 |18 June 1991

    Baroness Hamwee |6 June 1991 |12 June 1991

    Lord Marlesford |7 June 1991 |11 June 1991

    Lord Judd |10 June 1991 |25 June 1991

    Baroness Denton of Wakefield |11 June 1991 |11 June 1991

    Baroness Hilton of Eggardon |14 June 1991 |2 July 1991

    Baroness Mallalieu |19 June 1991 |19 June 1991

    Lord Hollick |20 June 1991 |25 June 1991

    Baroness O’Cathain |21 June 1991 |3 July 1991

    Lord Renfrew of Kaimsthorn |24 June 1991 |9 July 1991

    Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish |26 June 1991 |26 June 1991

    Lord Skidelsky |15 July 1991 |17 July 1991

    Baroness Perry of Southwark |16 July 1991 |16 July 1991

    Lord Cheshire |17 July 1991 |24 July 1991

    Lord MacFarlane of Bearsden |29 July 1991 |15 October 1991

    Lord Craig of Radley |30 July 1991 |16 October 1991

    Lord Rix |27 January 1992 |12 February 1992

    Lord Prentice |30 January 1992 |12 February 1992

    Lord Rodgers of Quarry Bank |12 February 1992 |25 February 1992

    Lord Wilson of Tillyorn |14 February 1992 |15 July 1992

    Lord Wakeham |24 April 1992 |28 April 1992

    Baroness Chalker of Wallasey |24 April 1992 |23 April 1992

    Lord Taylor of Gosforth |27 April 1992 |29 April 1992

    Lord Roger of Earlsferry |29 April 1992 |29 April 1992

    Baroness Thatcher |26 June 1992 |30 June 1992

    Lord Finsberg |27 June 1992 |13 July 1992

    Lord Parkinson |29 June 1992 |7 July 1992

    Lord Healey |29 June 1992 |1 July 1992

    Lord Owen |30 June 1992 |8 July 1992

    Lord Howe of Aberavon |30 June 1992 |1 July 1992

    Lord Lawson of Blaby |1 July 1992 |6 July 1992

    Lord Merlyn-Rees |1 July 1992 |7 July 1992

    Lord Howell |2 July 1992 |9 July 1992

    Lord Moore of Lower Marsh |3 July 1992 |6 July 1992

    Lord Tebbit |6 July 1992 |9 July 1992

    Lord Younger of Prestwick |7 July 1992 |14 July 1992

    Lord Amery of Lustleigh |8 July 1992 |8 July 1992

    Lord Walker of Worcester |8 July 1992 |21 June 1992

    Lord Archer of Sandwell |9 July 1992 |14 July 1992

    Lord Ashley of Stoke |10 July 1992 |13 July 1992

    Lord Eatwell |14 July 1992 |19 October 1992

    Lord Weatherill |14 July 1992 |15 July 1992

    Lord Ewing of Kirkford |17 July 1992 |26 October 1992

    Lord Geraint |18 July 1992 |27 October 1992

    Lord Stewartby |20 July 1992 |20 October 1992

    Lord Clark of Kempston |21 July 1992 |28 October 1992

    Lord Plant of Highfield |24 July 1992 |4 November 1992

    Lord Archer of Weston-Super-Mare |27 July 1992 |20 October 1992

    Lord Ridley of Liddesdale |28 July 1992 |28 October 1992

    Baroness Jay of Paddington |29 July 1992 |21 October 1992

    Lord Williams of Mostyn |30 July 1992 |26 October 1992

    Lord Braine of Wheatley |10 August 1992 |2 November 1992

    Lord Cooke of Islandreagh |11 August 1992 |3 November 1992

    Lord Barber of Tewkesbury |12 August 1992 |2 November 1992

    Lord Hayhoe |21 August 1992 |3 November 1992

    Lord Gilmour of Craigmillar |25 August 1992 |4 November 1992

    Lord Elis-Thomas |18 September 1992|27 October 1992

     

    Squatting

    Mrs. Mahon : To ask the Prime Minister if he will transfer responsibility for squatting as an issue to the Department of the Environment.

    The Prime Minister : No.

     

    Treasury (Advice to Ministers)

    Mr. Bennett : To ask the Prime Minister when he expects to market- test the provision of advice to Treasury Ministers.

    The Prime Minister : The provision of advice to Treasury Ministers is one of the Treasury’s core functions and there are no plans for it to be market tested.

     

    London

    Mr. Leighton : To ask the Prime Minister what machinery of government deals with London affairs.

    The Prime Minister : Government Departments deal with issues within their areas of responsibility. The Cabinet sub-committee on London co- ordinates their policies. The 32 London boroughs and the corporation of the City of London are responsible for local government services in London, with joint arrangements where these are necessary.

     

    Ministerial Committees

    Mr. Richard Shepherd : To ask the Prime Minister if he will update the list of ministerial standing Cabinet committees published in May 1992 to include a list of those ad hoc ministerial committees established since the formation of his Government.

    The Prime Minister : I will publish an updated list shortly.

     

    Travellers

    Mr. William Ross : To ask the Prime Minister where the responsibility lies for caravan site provision for the traditional travelling community.

    The Prime Minister : The Caravan Sites Act 1968 requires local authorities in England and Wales to provide accommodation on caravan sites for travelling people staying in or resorting to their areas. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, local authorities have a discretionary power to provide sites for travelling people.

    Mr. William Ross : To ask the Prime Minister what provisions exist to improve access to state services for the traditional travelling community.

    The Prime Minister : In England and Wales, the Department for Education and the Welsh Office respectively provide grant support to local education authorities to help them improve the attendance of traveller children at school and meet their particular educational needs. General medical and hospital services are available to travellers on the same basis as to the rest of the population and health authorities are expected to take account of travellers’ needs when planning services. In addition, the Department of Health is funding a number of special schemes aimed at meeting the day-to-day needs of such groups as single rough sleepers, families in bed-and-breakfast accommodation and traveller families.

    In Scotland, education and health services for travelling people are under regular review by the Secretary of State’s advisory committee on travelling people. In Northern Ireland, a document published in November 1992 by the advisory committee on travellers reviewed progress on travelling people’s access to services. A consultation process is in train.

     

    Cabinet Papers

    Mr. Llew Smith : To ask the Prime Minister what is the reason for withholding release of certain Cabinet papers and departmental papers on the royal family and Cyprus beyond 30 years.

    The Prime Minister : Records relating to these matters are considered for release after 30 years in the normal way in accordance with the provisions of the Public Records Acts 1958 and 1967. Any which are deemed to require protection for longer than 30 years are either closed under section 5(1) or retained in Departments under section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958 in accordance with the criteria published in the Government’s response to the Wilson Committee report “Modern Public Records”, Cmnd. 8531.

     

    Government of Scotland

    Mr. McMaster : To ask the Prime Minister what he has done since April 1992 to take stock of how Scotland is governed; when he plans to announce his proposals for the future; and if he will make a statement.

    The Prime Minister : I am examining a wide range of aspects of the governance of Scotland and have had fruitful discussions with numerous people in Scotland representing many walks of life and political viewpoints. Once the review is complete, the Government will announce the results to the House.

     

    Bed-and-breakfast Accommodation

    Mr. Pike : To ask the Prime Minister if he will take steps to investigate the incidence of poor nutrition and ill health among families living in bed-and-breakfast accommodation; and what representations he has received on this subject.

    The Prime Minister : There is evidence concerning the association between ill-health and adverse social circumstances, but little to identify specific causes of this, particularly the role of nutrition. Indeed, the nutritional content of the diets of people of all incomes is remarkably similar. A balanced diet with more bread, cereals, seasonal vegetables and fruit, and fewer fatty foods can be cheaper than a less healthy diet. The Nutritional task force set up to help implement the White Paper “Health of the Nation” will seek ways to improve the promotion of healthy eating.

     

    Labour Statistics

    Mr. Winnick : To ask the Prime Minister if he will direct the Secretary of State for Employment to discontinue replying to hon. Members’ questions over regional unemployment by referring them to the NOMIS data base in the Library; and if he will make it his policy that the information requested should be published in the Official Report.

    The Prime Minister : I endorse the procedure followed by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Employment, which is to refer hon. Members to NOMIS when more than 10 figures are asked for. The introduction of this procedure was announced, in answer to a parliamentary question, by the then Secretary of State for Employment, on 19 October 1990. This was done only after extensive consultation with both sides of the House and with the then Speaker. The procedure does not result in withholding information and does not deny hon. Members the opportunity of asking questions about unemployment or other labour market issues. NOMIS is a public data base, which can be accessed through a terminal in the House of Commons Library. It provides an open and an efficient way of publishing statistics, which I welcome under the citizen’s charter. The Official Report has never been a statistical digest.

     

    Council of Europe

    Mr. Jopling : To ask the Prime Minister whether he has made any changes to the composition of the United Kingdom delegation for the 44th Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

    The Prime Minister : With effect from 1 February 1993 my hon. Friend the Member for Ravensbourne (Sir J. Hunt) and my noble Friend, Lord Newall will become representatives on the delegation and my hon. Friend the Member for Hayes and Harlington (Mr. Dicks) and my noble Friend, the Earl of Dundee, will become substitutes. My hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Mr. Jessel) has resigned from the delegation.

     

    Engagements

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

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

    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.

     

    Coreper

    Mr. Llew Smith : To ask the Prime Minister what changes took place in the operation of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to the European Council during the United Kingdom presidency of the European Council.

    The Prime Minister : None, other than that the chair was taken by the British representative.

  • PMQT – 14 January 1993

    Below is the text of Prime Minister’s Question Time from 14th January 1993.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    Engagements

    Q1. Mr. Wareing : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 14 January.

    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. Wareing : Does the Prime Minister agree that although the action against Saddam Hussein was thoroughly justified, similar military action in the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina could not be so justified? Will he give a categorical assurance that no British service man’s life will be put at risk by fighting on one side or the other of that conflict, because such a conflict would lead to a general conflagration in the area? Should not the message from the House now be : remember Sarajevo, 1914?

    The Prime Minister : The situation in Bosnia presents special difficulties and is quite different, as the hon. Gentleman said. He will know the action that we have taken : we have imposed an arms embargo, sanctions and a no-fly zone which has been made effective. Progress has been made in the peace talks in Geneva–not enough, but progress has been made–and we will take further measures if we have to. As the hon. Gentleman may know, European Community Foreign Ministers agreed yesterday to work on measures leading to Serbia’s total diplomatic isolation. The European Community also agreed on the need for an international criminal court and will support that at the United Nations.

     

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

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

    Mr. Pickles : In his busy schedule today, does my right hon. Friend have any plans to commemorate the centenary of the foundation of the Independent Labour party? If so, what advice does he offer as the most appropriate way to mark this event?

    The Prime Minister : I did not have it in mind to do so, but perhaps we might hold a wake.

    Mr. John Smith : To return to the Prime Minister’s actual responsibilities, does the right hon. Gentleman believe that it is right that taxpayers’ money should be used to pay the legal fees incurred by a Minister in connection with his own private affairs?

    The Prime Minister : It is uncharacteristic of the right hon. and learned Gentleman to deal in innuendo. The matter to which he refers has been dealt with by Sir John Bourn, an independent report has been commissioned and the answer is quite clear : no impropriety occurred.

    Mr. Smith : Does not the Prime Minister even understand the distinction between a public duty and a private concern? In this case, is not it clear that the Chancellor instructed solicitors because of his decision to rent his own property to a tenant for his own profit? Is not it clear from the report to which the Prime Minister refers that the Chancellor instructed solicitors without referring the matter to a Government legal adviser? If property was involved, should not the Chancellor be asked to repay the money now?

    The Prime Minister : The right hon. and learned Gentleman may wish to reflect on and withdraw those remarks. It is uncharacteristically cheap of him to have raised the matter in this fashion. The report fully exonerates the Treasury on the central questions : was it right to make the payment and were any rules breached? Sir John Bourn, who carried out the inquiry, has no criticism on either point. He also confirms that the Chancellor did not ask for assistance and makes no criticism of my right hon. Friend’s actions.

    Mr. Smith : Does the Prime Minister understand that it is a matter not of innuendo but of public policy on whether taxpayers’ money should be used to finance the private legal affairs of a Minister? If the Prime Minister is resting on the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General, which has not yet been considered by the Public Accounts Committee, will he explain why, as is clear from the report, the whole matter was concealed under a heading called

    “Expenditure on economic, financial and related administration”, which included the expenses of pay review bodies and the cost of the BCCI inquiry? Was not there an attempt to hide this matter from the public and from scrutiny here?

    The Prime Minister rose —

    Hon. Members : Answer!

    Madam Speaker : Order. It is pointless the House shouting “answer” ; the Prime Minister is at the Dispatch Box doing just that.

    The Prime Minister : It says a great deal about the Leader of the Opposition that, the day after our service men have been in action in Iraq and when we have troops in Bosnia, he has raised this matter in the House. I repeat, as he sits smiling smugly, that the Chancellor did not receive assistance. The Treasury broke no accounting rules and in the absence of the rules it was appropriate that judgment should be exercised by two accounting officers. That has been independently examined. There is no criticism of that judgment and if he had a shred of self-respect the right hon. and learned Gentleman would withdraw those remarks.

    Mr. Butterfill : Will my right hon. Friend join me in congratulating Aim Aviation of Bournemouth, which has been so successful in winning export orders in the United States, the far east and Europe that it has had to acquire a new factory at Wallisdown in my constituency? Will he join me in wishing it every success in seeking new orders, which it undoubtedly will be able to do under the policies of the Government?

    The Prime Minister : I am happy to do that and I am delighted to hear of this export success. There is no doubt that our exports have been on a rising trend. Equally, there is no doubt that we have the right economic fundamentals to encourage exporting in the future.

    Mr. Boyce : What a load of nonsense.

    The Prime Minister : It is vital that we do so for our jobs and prosperity. We understand that, even if the hon. Member for Rotherham (Mr. Boyce) understands nothing.

     

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

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

    Mr. Livingstone : Does the Prime Minister accept that the vigour with which the Government have ensured that Iraq complies with the United Nations resolutions is not repeated when ensuring that other nations such as India comply with United Nations resolutions on Kashmir or China with United Nations resolutions on Tibet? Is he aware that, to many people in the world, it seems that we pursue United Nations resolutions with vigour only when they refer to endangered western oil interests?

    The Prime Minister : I think the hon. Gentleman knows better than that. This country has a better record of supporting United Nations resolutions than almost any country that he can name.

    In the case of the difficulties with Iraq, there was a clear violation and invasion of a neighbouring country and an attempt to capture both that neighbouring country and probably to move on further down the Gulf. Recently there have been deliberate attempts of genocide both in the north and south of Iraq. The whole of the hon. Gentleman’s background suggests that he should be supporting the Government in preventing that genocide.

    Mr. Bill Walker : My right hon. Friend will be aware that the Cabinet will shortly be looking at proposals for the future of the naval dockyards. He will be aware of the political sensitivity that applies to both naval dockyards. Will he assure me and the House that the decision, when made, will be based upon equal opportunities for both dockyards and that we will be comparing apples with apples so that there is no question of saying afterwards that the decision was arrived at other than properly and honourably?

    The Prime Minister : I can assure my hon. Friend that every relevant factor will be taken into account.

     

    Q4. Mr. Martyn Jones : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 14 January.

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

    Mr. Jones : Will the Prime Minister find time today to pass on the condolences of everyone in the House to the family and friends of my constituent, Lance Corporal Edwards, who was killed yesterday bravely delivering aid to Bosnia? Will the Prime Minister tell the House what measures he will be taking to ensure that the troops performing this dangerous role have the firepower and intelligence back-up to prevent further casualties?

    The Prime Minister : The whole House will agree with what the hon. Gentleman had to say about his constituent. He was a very brave man and there is no doubt that he gave his life to save the lives of many other people who would have died, but for actions of Lance Corporal Edwards and those of his colleagues.

    My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence will be making a statement after questions which will be directly germane to the hon. Gentleman’s question.

     

    Q5. Mr. David Martin : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 14 January.

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

    Mr. Martin : Is my right hon. Friend aware that since he visited St. Mary’s hospital in Portsmouth, it, with Queen Alexandra’s, has been approved for trust status? Remembering all the virulent criticisms levelled at trust hospitals by the Opposition parties, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he has seen the reports in today’s papers that even the official Front-Bench spokesman of the Labour party now sees the sense in our reforms? Is there joy in Downing street over one sinner that repenteth?

    The Prime Minister : There is hardly likely to be joy over that particular sinner. But I can certainly confirm to my hon. Friend that I have seen the report. The fact is that the Labour party has no agenda of its own. Conservatism has won the arguments on health and will continue to win them. I well remember what the hon. Member for Livingston (Mr. Cook) said :

    “I give this historic pledge that the hospital that serves my constituents will opt out over my dead body.”

    I hope that the hon. Member does not live to regret that pledge. No doubt if he is ill his local trust hospital will treat him.

    Mr. Wigley : Will the Prime Minister find time today to consider the representations that have been made over a number of months by disablement organisations about the need for anti-discrimination legislation? As he once had ministerial responsibility for disabled people and bearing in mind the fact that a Bill has passed through the House of Lords, will the Prime Minister find time for such legislation to go on the statute book in this parliamentary year?

    The Prime Minister : This is a technical and difficult matter, as the hon. Gentleman knows as well as anyone in the House, but I will look at the points he raised and discuss them with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security.

     

    Worcester

    Q6. Mr. Luff : To ask the Prime Minister when he next plans to pay an official visit to Worcester.

    The Prime Minister : I am at present making plans for a series of visits to all parts of the country and I hope to include Worcester among them.

    Mr. Luff : Is my right hon. Friend aware that if he were to visit Worcester, he would encounter very great admiration for the skills and bravery of our armed forces, both in Bosnia and the Gulf? Is he also aware that he would encounter great local anger at the inability of the Labour- controlled local council to live within its means and at its failed gamble that it would be bailed out by an incoming Labour Government, as a result of which it is resorting to desperate measures to balance the books, including the sale of much-loved public open spaces?

    The Prime Minister : I believe that a number of people may well have gambled on a Labour victory at the last election. I am bound to say that it was always likely to be a poor bet. I quite understand the way my hon. Friend feels about the Labour council in Worcester–many people around the country feel the same about other Labour councils. It is the charge payers of Worcester who will have to pick up the bill for the Labour council’s actions and I hope that they will remember that when the local council elections come along.

     

    Engagements

    Q7. Mr. Vaz : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 14 January.

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

    Mr. Vaz : The Prime Minister may recall that on 14 March 1991 I met him to discuss the case of my constituent, John Hall, who was dying of leukaemia, an illness which he contracted while serving on Christmas island. He also knows that John Hall subsequently died on 3 June last year in the royal infirmary in Leicester. The House rightly honours those who serve this country. Will the Prime Minister join me and others in honouring the memory and selfless devotion of the British nuclear test veterans and pay them and their families the compensation which they so richly deserve?

    The Prime Minister : I certainly join the hon. Gentleman in honouring all our veterans, whether those veterans or others. He will know that the question of compensation and whether it is due for the reasons he set out is being examined at this moment.

  • PMQT Written Answers – 13 January 1993

    Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 13th January 1993.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    Nuclear Materials

    Mr. Cohen : To ask the Prime Minister what changes there have been since 27 October 1987 in the guidelines for exports of nuclear materials, equipment and technology by the United Kingdom set out in the statement by the then Foreign Secretary on 31 March 1976.

    The Prime Minister : An expansion to the guidelines set out on 31 March 1976 was announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in a statement issued on 24 September 1991 when he introduced the policy of fullscope safeguards as a condition of supply. This means that we do not allow the export of any significant new nuclear supplies or materials to any country, other than the nuclear weapon states, where there are any unsafeguarded nuclear installations.

     

    Edinburgh Summit

    Sir Teddy Taylor : To ask the Prime Minister what assessment was made by the European Council at Edinburgh of the net effect of its conclusions on the contributions and receipts of each member state; and if he will make a statement.

    The Prime Minister : The European Council did not explicitly consider the effect of its conclusions on future financing on the contributions and receipts of each member state.

     

    Macedonia

    Mr. Atkinson : To ask the Prime Minister if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the presidency’s special representative on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the EC summit at Edinburgh on 12 December.

    The Prime Minister : I hope that we can place a copy of this report in the Library soon. But discussion of Macedonian accession to the United Nations is now at a delicate stage in New York. It would not be helpful to this process to make the report public at this time.

     

    Lockerbie Air Crash

    Mr. Dalyell : To ask the Prime Minister what response he has given to the petition presented to him on the fourth anniversary of the destruction of Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie.

    The Prime Minister [holding answer 11 January 1993] : I have received a letter signed by some of the relatives of those who died, and have replied. I sympathise with their loss. I do not believe that there is a good case for an independent public inquiry into the disaster. There has already been a fatal accident inquiry and the criminal investigation is continuing.

    The Government continue to put pressure on the Libyans to comply with the United Nations resolutions and to surrender the two suspects for trial in Scotland or the United States.