The Rt. Hon. Sir John Major KG CH

Category: 1993

  • 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.

  • Mr Major’s Statement on Iraq – 13 January 1993

    Below is the text of Mr Major’s statement on Iraq, made at Downing Street in London on Wednesday 13th January 1993.

    PRIME MINISTER:

    As you know, Royal Air Force Tornadoes and tankers have today taken part in a limited Coalition attack on surface-to-air missiles and their associated command and control facilities in southern Iraq. There have been no Allied casualties. All our aircraft have returned safely to base and preliminary information – and I emphasise that, preliminary information – indicates that the aircraft accomplished their mission satisfactorily.

    Let me say that we did not take this action lightly. Last year, we established a no-fly zone over southern Iraq and the purpose of that was quite clear – it was to stop Saddam Hussein from the repression of his own people. Over the last few weeks, our aircraft in that no-fly zone have come under increasing threat, threat from Iraqi aircraft themselves entering the no-fly zone and from missile batteries installed in Southern Iraq.

    Over recent days, the Iraqis have been ample warning. The action that we have taken tonight has deliberately been both limited and proportionate but we believe it will be effective in establishing the conditions which will enable our aircraft to operate in the no-fly zone with safety.

    The Iraqi regime are in breach of Security Council requirements on a number of fronts. They pose a threat to aircraft protecting the Kurds in Northern Iraq, they are impeding the actions of the UN inspection teams, they are illegally entering Kuwaiti territory. Each and every one of those breaches needs to stop. If they don’t, we shall have no hesitation – again with our Allies – in taking the necessary action to enforce Security Council Resolutions.

    The Secretary of State for Defence will be making a statement to the House at 10 o’clock.

    I will take one or two questions.

    QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

    QUESTION:

    Prime Minister, have you spoken to President Bush about your next action?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I shall be speaking to President Bush again within a few minutes.

    QUESTION:

    Do you have any idea of the level of Iraqi casualties that might have come from such missions?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    Not at this stage.

    QUESTION (Michael Brunson, ITV):

    How long can this cat-and-mouse game with Saddam go on? People are saying he should be taken out once and for all.

    PRIME MINISTER:
    I think he has had a very clear indication today of the fact that people are growing increasingly intolerant of his defiance of the Security Council Resolutions. I hope that he will learn from the lesson.

    QUESTION (Robin Oakley, BBC TV):

    Do you expect this action to put an end to violations by Saddam Hussein and are the Allies prepared to step up action if he continues to defy UN Resolutions?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    We are prepared to make sure that the Security Council Resolutions are enforced. I hope this will put an end to the infringements. We have hoped that before and it has not. If he infringes again, he must expect us to retaliate again and we have made it entirely clear to him that we will certainly do that.

    QUESTION:

    Do you regret not dealing with Saddam Hussein tougher two years ago?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    No. I think the decision that was taken to stop the fighting at the time we did was the right decision at the time. One has to recall we were operating under a UN mandate; that mandate had been enforced; we had no legal authority to do more and I believe it was right to stop when we did.

    QUESTION:

    Are you prepared to take the same tough action against the Serbs since many Muslims may feel that Christians in Europe are applying double standards?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I think people know the action that we have already taken in humanitarian aid in Bosnia and we have a substantial number of troops on the ground and you will know the very sad news indeed that one of them was killed this morning.

    Thank you very much indeed.

  • PMQT Written Answers – 12 January 1993

    Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 12th January 1993.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    Prince and Princess of Wales

    Mr. Vaz : To ask the Prime Minister how many times he met the Prince and Princess of Wales to discuss their separation before his announcement on 9 December 1992.

    The Prime Minister : I meet both the prince and princess periodically to discuss a range of issues.

     

    Engagements

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

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

     

    Nuclear Test Veterans

    Ms. Lynne : To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 5 June 1992, Official Report, column 655, when the further report from the National Radiological Protection Board on mortality and cancer evidence relating to nuclear test veterans will be published; and if he will make a statement.

    The Prime Minister : I refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave to the hon. Member for Paisley, South (Mr. McMaster) on 24 November at column 577.

  • PMQT – 12 January 1993

    Below is the text of Prime Minister’s Question Time from 12th January 1993.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    Engagements

    Q1. Mr. Olner : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 12 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.

    Mr. Olner : I thank the Prime Minister for that reply. Many hundreds of skilled workers in my constituency are, unfortunately, out of work at the present time. Quite frankly, they are suffering from the Government’s failure to support employers. Can we look forward in 1993 to no more false dawns but to positive action on jobs so that my constituents and their families can regain some dignity?

    The Prime Minister : We all wish to see recovery–there is no difference between any hon. Members on that subject. We shall get lasting recovery only if we have the right basics. These include low inflation, modest interest rates and the right exchange rate. They are now all in place.

    Mr. Day : Has my right hon. Friend seen reports that the National Union of Teachers is to organise a boycott of tests for 14-year-olds? If those reports are correct, will he condemn such action as disgraceful and highly damaging,

    The Prime Minister : I am certainly prepared to condemn any such call and any such action. I suspect that teachers will be far too sensible to take any such action. Those tests are vital. They are good for children, parents want to see them, teachers need to know how well the children are performing, and parents have a right to know how well their children are performing. Those tests will provide that information.

    Mr. John Smith : Since the wrecking of the Braer is a major environmental disaster and one which could happen again before the inquiries that were announced yesterday have been completed, will the Prime Minister take interim action now to protect our coastlines? Will he convene an urgent meeting with the oil companies to obtain an assurance from them that only the safest routes will be used for the transport of oil while the inquiries are going on? Will he also agree to proposals that have been made to make adequate radar facilities available in sensitive areas so that the continuing traffic in oil can be monitored while the inquiries proceed?

    The Prime Minister : I will certainly invite my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment to examine those matters. They may have many ramifications and I think that I should have them examined before I give the right hon. and learned Gentleman a concrete answer.

    Mr. John Smith : I at least welcome the Prime Minister’s decision to refer this to his right hon. and learned Friend, but I ask him to engage himself in this important matter. Will he bear in mind that it is frequently the case in matters of aviation that interim action, such as the grounding of aircraft, may be taken while inquiries are being undertaken? Will he bear in mind the acute anxiety that exists in areas all round the coast at what has happened in the Shetlands? May I invite him to look into it personally and to make an early report to the House?

    The Prime Minister : That may well be. As I indicated to the right hon. and learned Gentleman a moment ago, it is prudent to examine a matter carefully before making a commitment. [Interruption.] Were I to make a commitment without doing so, the right hon. and learned Gentleman would be right to be critical. Of course my right hon. and learned Friend will examine it carefully ; he will report to me and we shall report to the House.

    Mr. Nigel Evans : Does my right hon. Friend agree with me that private sector skills have greatly benefited industries such as Rover cars, gas, electricity and British Telecom, following policies which the Opposition have opposed at every turn? Will he confirm to the House today that soon these same private sector skills will be made available to British Rail?

    The Prime Minister : I can certainly offer that assurance, and no doubt my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport will give further details later this afternoon.

     

    Q2. Mr. Ronnie Campbell : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 12 January.

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

    Mr. Ronnie Campbell : Is the Prime Minister aware that Swan Hunter shipbuilding on the Tyne is now on the verge of complete closure, with the loss of 2,000 jobs and disaster for the north-east? Can he therefore confirm that the new helicopter carrier is still in the programme to be built on the Tyne?

    The Prime Minister : We have received tenders and we are considering them at the present time.

    Mr. Dykes : If my right hon. Friend has time to think about it today, will he agree that legitimate attempts to protect the privacy of prominent and other citizens alike should not be used as an excuse to launch a fundamental attack on the freedom of the press, which is so vital to a thriving democracy?

    The Prime Minister : The Government have now received the report of Sir David Calcutt and we shall publish it shortly. The whole House will then have an opportunity to make up its mind on the contents of the report.

    Mr. Ashdown : In view of the grave news of the breakdown of the Geneva talks as a result of Bosnian Serb intransigence, will the Prime Minister now confirm that the British Government are prepared to act with others to protect against the future elimination of the Muslim homeland, to maintain the isolation of the Bosnian Serbs and to increase the pressure, political and military, to force the Bosnian Serbs to return to the peace table?

    The Prime Minister : I share the right hon. Gentleman’s regret at the breakdown of the discussions in Geneva. I believe that Cyrus Vance and Lord Owen have done an outstanding job. They have put forward a fair plan. It is a matter of great regret that the Bosnian Serbs are unpersuaded and unprepared to accept it. Sooner or later there must be a negotiated settlement ; the only question is whether it comes now or following further repression, further suffering and further difficulties. The international community will wish to apply further pressure if the Bosnian Serbs continue to reject this settlement.

    Mr. Mark Robinson : Does my right hon. Friend agree with me on the important role that small and medium-sized businesses will have to play in economic recovery? Will he undertake to sweep away the unnecessary layers of red tape and bureaucracy which so tie down some of our small businesses?

    The Prime Minister : I have indicated that it is certainly the Government’s intention to do so. We have already made good progress since the election, but I now want us to go both further and faster. I have therefore asked every Department in Whitehall to prepare plans for action on deregulation. I shall be meeting every Secretary of State in early February, with their permanent secretaries, and I hope that we can then draw up a detailed plan for deregulation of burdens on business.

     

    Homelessness

    Q3. Mr. Corbyn : To ask the Prime Minister, when he next expects to meet representatives of London’s homeless.

    The Prime Minister : I have no plans to do so, but my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing meets representatives regularly.

    Mr. Corbyn : Is it not about time the Prime Minister met representatives of London’s homeless to learn that 40,000 families–about 100,000 people–spent Christmas in temporary accommodation, a 10 per cent. increase on a year ago, that there are 50,000 single homeless in London and more than 2,000 sleeping on the streets, a 10 per cent. increase on a year ago and a fivefold increase on five years ago? Is it not about time money was provided to local authorities to buy and build so that families can grow up in decent accommodation rather than suffering the indignity of bed and breakfast accommodation, and public resources were put where they are needed to provide decent homes for the people of this city rather than building empty office blocks for speculative gain?

    The Prime Minister : The hon. Gentleman neglected to mention the number of empty houses either in his own local authority’s stock or in that of many local authorities. Liverpool, Hackney, Burnley, Manchester, Salford and North Tyneside all have a very bad record on empty properties.

    When my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing or I next meet representatives of the homeless we shall be able to tell them that recent figures show a continuing decline in the number of families in bed and breakfast accommodation, nationally by 23 per cent. and by 30 per cent. in London and the south-east. I shall be able to remind them of the £750 million housing package announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the autumn statement. That will further reduce the numbers in bed and breakfast. I might also remind them of the £100 million scheme for sleeping rough which has been amazingly successful.

     

    Engagements

    Q4. Mr. Riddick : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 12 January.

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

    Mr. Riddick : Does my right hon. Friend agree that one of the things that the British people expect from the Conservative Government is tough action on law and order [Interruption.]

    Madam Speaker : Order. The House must come to order.

    Mr. Riddick : Does the Prime Minister share my concern about the increasing problem of persistent young offenders carrying out crimes such as car crime, burglaries and joy riding? Will he confirm that the Government will take tough action to combat those problems–unlike the Labour party, which is soft on crime?

    The Prime Minister : I will take scoffing from the Labour party on law and order when they begin to support the prevention of terrorism Acts– [Interruption.]

    Madam Speaker : The House must come to order to hear what the Prime Minister has to say–[Interruption.] All parts of the House, for that matter.

    The Prime Minister : On the assumption that Members of the House did not hear what I said a moment ago, I shall repeat it for their benefit. I will take words from the Opposition on law and order when they stop opposing the prevention of terrorism Acts.

    I certainly agree with my hon. Friend about law and order. I certainly share his concern about the persistent offending of so many young people. I have therefore asked my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary to look urgently at the existing arrangements for dealing with juvenile offenders and to consider what new measures it is sensible to introduce. This is one of the areas of greatest concern in the growth of crime statistics and one with which we are determined to deal.

     

    Q5. Mr. Skinner : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 12 January.

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

    Mr. Skinner : Does the Prime Minister agree that the biggest problem facing this country at present is the scourge of mass unemployment? Is he aware that it is costing £9,000 for the taxpayer to finance somebody out of work? That is a total cost of £30 billion out of a public sector borrowing requirement of £37 billion. If the Prime Minister tackled that problem, he would be tackling the economy’s problems as well. He has the fate of 100,000 people in his hands–30,000 of them miners–in the course of the next few weeks. He could resolve the problem easily. If he will give a subsidy of only half that which is given to nuclear power he will be able to save all 31 pits and 100,000 jobs, export coal to every continent in the world and resolve some of the balance of payments problems as well. Will the Prime Minister stop dithering and do it?

    The Prime Minister : I certainly agree with the hon. Gentleman about the scourge of unemployment. The difference between him and me would be the right method with which to deal with it and to ensure that there are long- term jobs subsequently available. I note what he says about the problem of the pits, but I have no intention of anticipating the coal review, which will be brought before the House as speedily as possible. While the hon. Gentleman continues to support policies such as a payroll tax on jobs, the social chapter, and a national minimum wage, he is not in the best position to lecture us about job losses.

     

    Q6. Mr. Nicholls : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 12 January.

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

    Mr. Nicholls : Will my right hon. Friend take time today to consider the wider implications of the rundown or closure of Devonport dockyards? Does he appreciate that the continuing uncertainty is causing unhappiness not just in the city of Plymouth but throughout the west country? I appreciate that he cannot announce a decision today, but will he at least assure the people of Devon and Cornwall that when the time comes for that decision to be made he will have their concerns very much in the forefront of his mind?

    The Prime Minister : I appreciate the great concern in the minds of the people of Devon–and, indeed, of those of near Rosyth–concerning the decisions that need to be taken about the dockyards. I know that that uncertainty is worrying people. The Secretary of State for Defence will announce our proposals as soon as he can. I assure my hon. Friend that there will be no undue delay.

  • PMQT Written Answers – 11 January 1993

    Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 11th January 1993.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    Scottish Constitution

    Mr. Home Robertson : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the people whom he has consulted in connection with his stocktaking exercise about Scotland’s constitutional position.

    The Prime Minister : I have had frequent opportunities to hear views from people of all political persuasions and from many backgrounds, including the church, the law, business, academic life, the arts and the media.

     

    India

    Mr. Vaz : To ask the Prime Minister which cities he intends to visit on his next visit to India.

    The Prime Minister : I shall visit Delhi as a guest of the Indian Government on republic day on 26 January. I shall also visit Bombay.

     

    UN Population Conference

    Mr. Worthington : To ask the Prime Minister (1) in which country the United Nations conference on world population will be held; and on what dates;

    (2) what proposals the Government have to involve relevant non-governmental organisations in preparation for the 1994 United Nations conference on world population;

    (3) what proposals the Government have to enable (a) relevant non-governmental organisations and (b) hon. Members to attend the 1994 United Nations conference on world population;

    (4) which Government Department is to be responsible for the 1994 United Nations population conference.

    The Prime Minister : The international conference on population and development will take place in Cairo from 5 to 13 September 1994. A decision will be taken shortly on which Government Department will also take prime responsibility for United Kingdom preparations for the conference. The Government will make proposals shortly for how hon. Members and relevant non-governmental organisations might be involved in the preparations.

     

    Committee of Permanent Representatives

    Mr. Llew Smith : To ask the Prime Minister what proposals he has to apply the decision to improve transparency in the activities of the European Council to the availability to Parliament of (a) the minutes of COREPER and (b) proposals prepared by COREPER for the Council prior to their consideration by the Council.

    The Prime Minister : There are no such plans.

     

    EC Monetary Reserve

    Sir Teddy Taylor : To ask the Prime Minister why the European Council in Edinburgh concluded that the EC’s monetary reserve should be halved between 1994 and 1995; and if he will make a statement.

    The Prime Minister : The decision was taken in the light of the recent reform of the CAP, which involves a shift away from price support towards direct payments to producers. That should make CAP expenditure progressively less susceptible to the impact of fluctuations in the dollar/ecu exchange rate.

     

    EC Agriculture Spending

    Sir Teddy Taylor : To ask the Prime Minister why the European Council concluded on 11-12 December that agriculture spending by the EC would fall between 1993 and 1994; and if he will make a statement.

    The Prime Minister : The figures to which my hon. Friend refers are those for the agricultural guidelines in constant 1992 prices. The guideline is calculated in real terms by up-rating the 1988 baseline figure by 74 per cent. of the estimated growth in real Community gross national product (GNP) between 1988 and the year in question. This calculation takes place when the Commission submits its preliminary draft budget. For 1993, therefore, the guideline was calculated in May 1992. Subsequently, the estimate of Community GNP was revised downwards. Although the decision was too late to affect the 1993 figure it will be reflected in the guideline for 1994 and thereafter. The estimate for the guideline for 1994 to 1999, used by the European Council in its future financing plans, takes account of this latest information.

     

    European Environmental Agency

    Mr. Llew Smith : To ask the Prime Minister what arrangements were agreed at the Edinburgh summit for the siting of the European Environmental Agency.

    The Prime Minister : It was agreed at the European Council that the siting of the European Environmental Agency will be decided by common agreement between member states at a forthcoming European Council, giving appropriate priority to member states who do not at present provide the sites for Community institutions.

     

    Edinburgh Summit

    Sir Teddy Taylor : To ask the Prime Minister if section A (Citizenship) on page 5 B of part B of the “Conclusions of the Presidency” in Edinburgh was designed by the Council to apply to all member states.

    The Prime Minister : The section referred to by the hon. Member was designed to meet Danish concerns but it represents an interpretation of the provisions of the Maastricht treaty relating to citizenship of the union which was agreed by all member states and is true for all of them.

    Mr. Austin Mitchell : To ask the Prime Minister what procedures he proposes for ratification of the inter-governmental agreement reached at Edinburgh on Danish qualifications to the Maastricht treaty.

    The Prime Minister : The decision does not require ratification.

    Mr. Llew Smith : To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on how Her Majesty’s Government propose to implement the decision set out at paragraph 7 of the Edinburgh declaration on the conclusions of the United Kingdom presidency of the European Council to increase public investment in decision-making.

    The Prime Minister : The United Kingdom will work closely with other members of the Council, the Commission and Parliament to ensure that the measures on transparency agreed in Edinburgh are put into practice as soon as possible.

    Sir Teddy Taylor : To ask the Prime Minister why the European Council in Edinburgh concluded that there should be no increase in the provision of loan guarantees between 1993 and 1999; and if he will make a statement.

    The Prime Minister : The Edinburgh European Council endorsed the conclusions of the ECOFIN Council in October that the Community’s growing international responsibilities had led to an increase in the level and scope of lending to non-member states backed by guarantees on the EC budget, and that considerations of prudent budgetary management and financial discipline called for the establishment of a new financial framework, including an appropriate form of provisioning. The European Council accordingly agreed that a guarantee fund should be established, with a target size of 10 per cent. of the Community’s outstanding liabilities arising from external loans and guarantees ; and that this should be financed by a reserve in the financial perspective not exceeding 300 million ECU in each year from 1993 to 1999 (in 1992 prices), from which payments would be made into the fund in proportion to the value of new loans agreed. This framework will be sufficient to allow continuing significant levels of new lending to non-member states guaranteed on the EC budget.

    Mr. Spearing : To ask the Prime Minister if he will give the names of the persons signing their names as plenipotentiary of each relevant state to the inter-governmental decision relating to Denmark at the European Council meeting in Edinburgh.

    The Prime Minister : The decision relating to Denmark was not signed. This does not affect its character as an agreement binding in international law between the parties to the treaty on European union on how certain of its provisions are to be interpreted and applied.

     

    Princess of Wales

    Mr. Hoyle : To ask the Prime Minister what advice he received from sources outside the Government concerning the constitutional position of the accession to the throne of the Princess of Wales, before making his statement to the House of 9 December.

    The Prime Minister : The advice which I took on this matter is confidential.

     

    Gambling

    Mr. Peter Bottomley : To ask the Prime Minister if he will describe the process by which concerned people can contribute to and respond to Government ideas on maintaining, abolishing or changing the restrictions on stimulation of gaming or gambling.

    The Prime Minister : The processes are the same as those for any other aspect of Government policy. As necessary, the Government issue consultation documents on particular aspects of the gambling controls. In addition, interested parties may at any time make their views known direct to Government or via Members of Parliament.

  • Mr Major’s Comments on Saddam Hussein – 8 January 1993

    Below is the text of Mr Major’s comments on Saddam Hussein, made on 8th January 1993.

    PRIME MINISTER:

    We’ve told Saddam Hussein. He’s been told quite clearly by the Allies that we wish to ensure the safety of the no-fly zone. Firstly he must honour the no-fly zone. There must be no more flying in it. And secondly, he must remove the SAM missiles. That’s made clear to him, he knows that and set a time frame for it. I hope he will comply.

  • Mr Major’s Comments on the Economy – 3 January 1993

    Below is the text of Mr Major’s comments on the economy, held during an interview held on Sunday 3rd January 1993.

    QUESTION:

    [Mr Major was asked whether 1993 would be a year of economic recovery].

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I think it will move at a different pace. I think what we see as we move into 1993 are the conditions in place that will re-engender confidence, encourage people to spend, to invest and the recovery to begin and I think that is generally the view of industry and commerce. I think it will be gentle. I don’t suddenly imagine we are going to be bounding into a speedy recovery and frankly, that is a good thing because the one thing we don’t want to do is to move so fast into it that we create problems two years down the road; so I think it will be gentle, it will accelerate and I hope we will have a larger level of growth in 1994 than we expect in 1993.

    QUESTION:

    [Mr Major was asked what he forecast growth to be in 1993 and 1994].

    PRIME MINISTER:

    Forecasts are dangerous things, as we have found in the past. One always has to make a series of assumptions, a series of judgements, and they can be quite significantly out – they have been for every Chancellor over the last quarter of a century – but our forecast is for a gentle growth of around 1% this year, some think it will be exceeded, some think it is about right. It is too early to be certain about that but that there will be growth I think is increasingly apparent and I think it will accelerate after 1993.

    QUESTION:

    [Mr Major was asked if that was a trend, and whether growth in 1994 might therefore be 2.5%].

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I hope we are going to move in that direction, yes. We will have a look again at the forecasts later in the year as we see how 1993 begins to develop but I think we need to move back to trend growth. The recession was longer than we expected and it was deeper than we expected and one of the reasons for caution about how rapidly one will come out of recession is not so much what is happening in this country but what is happening in our principal markets abroad because as we show signs of coming out of recession some of our partners in Europe are perhaps seeing their economies still slowing down.