The Rt. Hon. Sir John Major KG CH

Tag: 1991

  • PMQT Written Answers – 19 November 1991

    Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 19th November 1991.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    Executive Agencies (Disabled Workers)

    Mr. Meacher : To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 11 November, Official Report, column 356, if he will list the six Departments and agencies which exceeded a 3 per cent. level of staff registered as disabled in 1990.

    The Prime Minister : In 1990 more than 3 per cent. of employees were registered disabled in each of the following departments and agencies : Crown Estate Office; Department of Employment Group; Land Registry; National Investment and Loans Office; Paymaster General’s Office; Registers of Scotland.

     

    Departmental Annual Report

    Sir Gerard Vaughan : To ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will arrange for the common core memorandum on departmental annual reports issued by Her Majesty’s Treasury in July to be further revised to include in section D research and development undertaken by or sponsored by the Department;

    (2) if he will make it the practice for all departmental annual reports to include as part of their common core information a statement of research and development activity sponsored by or undertaken by the Department.

    The Prime Minister : All departments with significant levels of spending on research and development already include relevant material in their departmental annual reports. Past and planned spending by departments on research and development was set out in table 4.13 of the “Statistical Supplement to the 1990 Autumn Statement”, Cm. 1520. Up-to-date information will be published early next year in the “Statistical Supplement to the 1991 Autumn Statement”. Extensive additional information is published by the Cabinet Office in the annual review of Government-funded research and development. The requirements for the 1993 departmental reports will be reviewed in the light of comments on the 1992 reports from Select Committees and others.

     

    Health Promotion

    Mr. David Porter : To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to co-ordinate the activities of the Departments of Health and of Education and Science on including health promotion and self health care into the national curriculum; and if he will make a statement.

    The Prime Minister : It is already the policy of both Departments to work together closely in order to secure that young people are equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to promote their immediate and long-term good health. To that end, aspects of health education are already included, wherever relevant, in several national curriculum foundation subjects.

     

    Engagements

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

    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.

  • PMQT – 19 November 1991

    Below is the text of Prime Minister’s Question Time from 19th November 1991.

    PRIME MINISTER

     

    Engagements

    Q1. Dame Elaine Kellett-Bowman : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 19 November.

    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.

    Dame Elaine Kellett-Bowman : Has my right hon. Friend seen the excellent report of Lancaster health authority, a copy of which I sent him, showing the immense progress that it has made during the past year–all within its budget? Is he aware of the vast increase since 1979 in the number of hip operations–from 60 to 197–in knee operations–from 16 to 90 –and in cataracts of 216 to 685. Is he aware that when the hospital becomes a trust it will make even more rapid progress being run by local people for local people?

    The Prime Minister : I am grateful to my hon. Friend for drawing that excellent report to my attention. I think that patients can see that the reforms are working–there are better clinic hours, with evening and out-of-hours clinics, and improvements in service and the patients’ environment. Such improvements are taking place in Lancaster and elsewhere, and I have no doubt that they will continue to take place everywhere.

    Mr. Kinnock : Will the Prime Minister take this opportunity to join me in expressing joy at the release of Terry Waite and Tom Sutherland from their long and terrible captivity? May I also express–as I am sure he will –boundless admiration for the great courage and inner strength shown by the two men and all the other released hostages. Those qualities were brilliantly manifested yet again in the remarkable speech by Terry Waite at RAF Lyneham at lunchtime today. Will the Prime Minister join me in thanking everyone, including the service given by the British Government, who have worked and still work to secure the release of hostages? I particularly thank the United Nations Secretary-General and his envoy, Mr. Picco. Does the Prime Minister agree that the statement by Terry Waite’s captors that they now recognise that they did wrong and that what they did has served no useful purpose should be understood by all those who engage in the vile practice of taking hostages, anywhere?

    The Prime Minister : I agree unreservedly with the right hon. Gentleman’s comments and believe that they will be echoed throughout the country. This morning I spoke briefly to Terry Waite while he was on board the aircraft returning home and was able to express the delight that I and the whole country felt at his safe return and at Mr. Sutherland’s release. We owe a great deal to the United Nations Secretary-General and to Mr. Picco who have worked tirelessly with others to secure the release of the hostages. In welcoming the release of Mr. Waite and Mr. Sutherland, may I express the hope that none of us forget that there are still more hostages whom we wish to see speedily returned to their homes. The developments that we have seen vindicate the policy of not doing deals with hostage takers. I share the right hon. Gentleman’s view about the remarks by the hostage takers. Let us hope that the lesson has been learnt and that never again shall we see this vile practice recur.

     

    Q2. Mr. Colin Shepherd : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 19 November.

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

    Mr. Shepherd : During his busy day, will my right hon. Friend take time to look at the Harris poll in last Sunday’s issue of The Observer which clearly showed that two thirds of the people of this country, including 60 per cent. of Labour voters, support my right hon. Friend’s policy of reducing the standard rate of tax from 25p to 20p in the pound? Is it not clear that at the next general election the public will face a clear choice between lower personal taxes under a Conservative Government or swingeing increased taxes under Labour?

    The Prime Minister : My hon. Friend certainly puts the point crisply, and I entirely agree with him. Conservatives believe that people should be left with as much as possible of their own money to spend in their own interests, in the clear belief that they will spend it better in their interests than any Government will do for them. We leave it to the Opposition to advocate higher taxes. That is not our view.

    Mr. Watson : Is the Prime Minister aware that under the 1951 United Nations convention on refugees, to which this country is a signatory, all Governments are obliged to provide asylum to those fleeing from serious human rights violations? Given that the Asylum Bill will deny genuine asylum seekers entry to this country,–[Hon. Members :– “No”.] Yes it will, and the few who slip through the net will be denied legal aid to argue their case. Will the Prime Minister tell us how his Government will meet their obligations under the convention?

    The Prime Minister : The Bill introduced by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary will not deter genuine asylum seekers. It will prevent the misuse of asylum procedures while protecting the position of genuine refugees. It seeks to accelerate decision making, and it will find strong support in the House and in the country.

     

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

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

    Mr. Evennett : Will my right hon. Friend assure the House that he will not agree to binding minimum rates of income tax in Europe, which have been advocated by the Socialist Confederation in Europe and are supported by the Labour party in this country?

    The Prime Minister : I can certainly give my hon. Friend that assurance. If the Labour party has signed European documents to that effect, I hope that it will have the courtesy to place them in the Library so that we may all see them. It is clearly Labour’s vision to have high tax rates, but it is the hope of the people of this country to have the lowest possible tax rates, and that is what we shall offer.

    Mr. Matthew Taylor : Does the Prime Minister agree that the draft proposals on economic and monetary union and on political union involve far-reaching constitutional change to our present arrangements? If he does, why does he reject the sovereignty of the British people in taking the final decision on the matter in a post-legislative referendum?

    The Prime Minister : Because we are a parliamentary democracy.

    Mr. Gregory : Will my right hon. Friend acknowledge the importance of the popular music industry and its contribution to overseas earnings? Would he echo the view of music lovers everywhere about the release of a certain rap record which shows the statesmanlike approach of the Leader of the Opposition?

    The Prime Minister : My hon. Friend’s suggestion is tempting, but I have not heard the record and I am not sure whether it ought to be released.

     

    Q4. Mr. Skinner : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 19 November.

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

    Mr. Skinner : Does the Prime Minister recall that, in 1962, when he packed up work to look after his parents, he received unemployment benefit under the terms of the legislation introduced by the Labour Government of 1945-50? Is he aware that anyone placed in that predicament today, and who decided to go on the dole so as to look after his sick parents, would not receive a single penny piece? Who is the person responsible for that change? It is none other than the Prime Minister who, as Minister for Social Security, introduced measures to prevent people from receiving benefit in those circumstances. Coming from a man who claims to be in favour of the classless society, is that not hypocrisy?

    The Prime Minister : The hon. Gentleman should, for once, get his facts straight and stick to them. I remind him that great improvements have been made not only in the amount of assistance that is available to people who are unemployed, but in the amount of assistance to ensure that people receive training so that they can get back into work. When the last Labour Government left office– [Interruption] –there were 6,000 training jobs. There are now 350,000.

    Several Hon. Members rose–

    Mr. Speaker : Order. Let us settle down.

    Mr. Gale : Does my right hon. Friend agree that, in sharp contrast to the open-door policy apparently espoused by the right hon. Member for Birmingham, Sparkbrook (Mr. Hattersley) and his party, the measures contained in the Asylum Bill will be fair and of great benefit to genuine asylum seekers?

    The Prime Minister : Yes, I am happy to confirm that. It is necessary to provide a proper asylum law to make sure that genuine refugees can be dealt with speedily and adequately. Without the Asylum Bill, that would no longer be the case.

     

    Q5. Mr. Harry Barnes : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 19 November.

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

    Mr. Barnes : Why is it that £22.50 is spent on advertising and publicity for each expatriate voter who chooses to record his vote in this country, while only one tenth of a penny is spent in the United Kingdom encouraging people to vote? Is this one of the reasons why 1 million people are missing off the electoral register? What does the Prime Minister intend to do between now and a general election to put those 1 million people back on the register?

    The Prime Minister : Both at home and abroad, the intention is to ensure that the people who are entitled to vote are aware of that fact. The hon. Gentleman should ask himself why he is so keen to see people who are entitled to vote not able to do so.

     

    Q6. Mr. Jacques Arnold : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 19 November.

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

    Mr. Arnold : Has my right hon. Friend noted the vote of parents in Gravesham, in the case of one school by a margin of nine to one, to take control over the management of their schools through grant-maintained status? Has he also noted the Labour party’s policy proposal to reverse the decision of the parents and to claw back the education funds concerned to a centralised bureaucracy?

    The Prime Minister : There is nothing surprising in the Labour party’s policies on that. It dislikes choice and parents having authority and power. We are determined to give both choice and power back to parents and that is why more schools are becoming grant maintained. After the general election, an avalanche of schools will seek to become grant maintained.

     

    Q7. Mr. Dunnachie : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 19 November.

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

    Mr. Dunnachie : In what circumstances would the Prime Minister contemplate using nuclear weapons?

    The Prime Minister : The Government’s position has always been clear –nuclear weapons are there as a deterrent. The difference between our position and that of the Labour party is that people accept that we would be prepared to use nuclear weapons and know that Labour Members would not be, so they would not have a deterrent. That is why the Opposition’s defence policy is incredible.

     

    Q8. Sir Anthony Durant : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 19 November.

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

    Sir Anthony Durant : Does my right hon. Friend agree that the reduction of the inflation rate to 3.7 per cent. is extremely good news for business, for householders and for those on a fixed income, and will he continue the policy of reducing the inflation rate?

    The Prime Minister : I can certainly give my hon. Friend the assurance that that is our intention. The present inflation rate is, of course, precisely one half of the inflation rate when it was at its very lowest–just briefly–under the previous Labour Government.

    Rev. Martin Smyth : This nation has been a nation of volunteers. How can we encourage volunteering if we cut community volunteering and the numbers engaged in the territorial volunteer reserves?

    The Prime Minister : We are examining and consulting on the particular position of the Territorial Army. As for volunteering generally, the hon. Gentleman will know that there has been a vast increase in volunteering in the whole range of voluntary services in the last decade. That has been a continuing trend. I welcome that and we encourage it.

  • PMQT Written Answers – 18 November 1991

    Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 18th November 1991.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    United Nations Environment Conference

    Dr. Thomas : To ask the Prime Minister what report has been prepared on progress made at the seminar held on 9 and 10 October, sponsored by the United Kingdom and the United Nations Environment Programme, on the role of United Kingdom non-governmental organisations in the United Nations conference on environment and development to be held in June 1992.

    The Prime Minister : The Department of the Environment is currently providing financial assistance through the United Nations Environment Programme-United Kingdom for a series of non-governmental meetings and seminars in preparation for the 1992 United Nations conference on environment and development.

    The report on this seminar will be an important contribution to the preparatory process for the conference. The United Nations Environment Programme-United Kingdom committee is currently preparing the report and it should be published by the end of January 1992.

    Dr. Thomas : To ask the Prime Minister what plans Her Majesty’s Government intend to put forward at the fourth preparatory committee meeting for the United Nations conference on environment and development to be held early next year.

    The Prime Minister : The Government are currently considering their plans for next year’s fourth preparatory committee meeting for the United Nations conference on environment and development.

     

    National Heritage Memorial Fund

    Mr. Faulds : To ask the Prime Minister whether he will make it his policy to appoint a woman to succeed Lord Charteris of Amisfield as chairman of the National Heritage Memorial Fund; whether he has received any representations to this effect; and whether he will make a statement.

    The Prime Minister : I expect shortly to announce a successor to Lord Charteris of Amisfield, whose term as chairman of the National Heritage Memorial Fund ends on 31 March 1992. I have received confidential advice from a number of quarters, and the final choice will depend on the aptitude and relevant experience of available candidates of either sex.

     

    Museum and Gallery Trustees

    Mr. Faulds : To ask the Prime Minister whether he will take powers to remove from office trustees of national museums and galleries who have been convicted of serious offences; and whether he will make a statement.

    The Prime Minister : I have no plans at present to take such powers.

     

    EC Powers

    Mr. Grylls : To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to veto any extension of EC competence into economic policy and economic advice.

    The Prime Minister : The Government support the co-ordination of member states’ economic policies. A process of multilateral surveillance of national economic policies has been established under the 1990 convergence decision, under which the Council of Ministers can publish non-binding recommendations directed at particular member states. The Government have argued in the intergovernmental conference on economic and monetary union that treaty provisions must be consistent with the principle that member states should retain primary responsibility on economic policy.

    Mr. Grylls : To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to veto any extension of EC competence into the field of social security.

    The Prime Minister : Some limited EC competence in the field of social security already exists in article 51 of the current treaty of Rome. The Government see no case for any further extension.

     

    Women Cabinet Members

    Mr. Simon Hughes : To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to have women in his Cabinet.

    The Prime Minister [holding answer 15 November 1991] : I look forward to appointing a woman to my Cabinet from amongst the strong group of women Ministers in the Government. There are excellent candidates among the six Ministers of State.

  • Mr Major’s Doorstep Interview (2) Relating to Terry Waite – 18 November 1991

    Below is Mr Major’s doorstep interview on Monday 18th November 1991 in London on the release of Terry Waite. This was the second doorstep interview of the day on the subject.

    QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

    QUESTION:

    What new news do you have, Prime Minister?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I have heard in the last few moments that Mr. Waite is now in the hands of the Syrians and that the Syrians have invited the British Ambassador in Damascus to collect Mr. Waite from them at 8 o’clock our time this evening so it would seem he is well and will soon be back in our hands. All being well, I hope he will be able to fly to Akrotiri this evening and home shortly afterwards.

    QUESTION:

    What is your reaction to that?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I’m absolutely delighted. It has been a long wait, a lot of effort has gone into it. I’m immensely grateful to the Secretary-General for what he has done. We have a successful outcome. I couldn’t be more pleased.

  • Mr Major’s Doorstep Interview Relating to Terry Waite – 18 November 1991

    Below is Mr Major’s doorstep interview on Monday 18th November 1991 in London on the release of Terry Waite.

    PRIME MINISTER:

    We have now had independent corroboration from two separate sources – the Secretary General’s spokesman and the Lebanese Army – that both Terry Waite and Thomas Sutherland have been released. We believe at the moment that they are travelling between Beirut and Damascus and that they are heading for the British Embassy in Damascus and we would very much hope they would arrive there soon.

    I must emphasise Mr Waite is not yet in British hands but we now have every reason genuinely to believe that he is free and that he will soon be with us. And if that proves to be the case, this is very good news indeed and we are absolutely delighted about it.

    We have waited 5 years for this, it must have been a long and agonising period both for Terry Waite and for all those who know him, his family and his friends. I hope very soon we will see the end of that and if the reports are correct he should be with us this evening and I very much hope on his way home here tomorrow.

    QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

    QUESTION:

    Is he in good health, Prime Minister?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    We do not know yet, he is not in our hands yet. The corroboration about his release seems to be substantiated. As soon as he arrives at the British Embassy in Damascus we will have a full medical report, but he is not there yet.

    QUESTION:

    Is there anything the government could have done to speed things along, it seems such a long wait?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    It has been a very long wait. We have been working very hard for a long period to get all the hostages released, all the British hostages released, and the other hostages released too. We ought not to forget this evening there are other hostages still to be released. We have been working energetically for months, many months, behind the scenes in order to secure this release and I am immensely grateful to the Secretary General and his staff for the work that they have done.

    QUESTION:

    Why do you think it has happened now?

    PRIME MINISTER:

    I think there are a vast variety of reasons why it has happened now, I do not want to speculate on all of them, I think it would take a long time. Suffice to say I am delighted it has happened and I hope we will have the rest of the hostages out soon as well.

    QUESTION:

    [Inaudible.]

    PRIME MINISTER:

    There have been no back stage deals done if that is the question you are asking, I am just very pleased the hostages are out and that the atmosphere has changed. That is what we have wanted to see, we have worked for it for a long time, as my predecessor did, it has now happened, most of the hostages are home with their families, I hope all of them soon will be and tomorrow perhaps we will see Mr Waite back here.

    QUESTION:

    Inaudible.

    PRIME MINISTER:

    Matters are changing with many of the Middle Eastern states, there are many things to consider. I think that is all I have to say for the moment until we have Mr Waite in our hands.

  • PMQT Written Answers – 15 November 1991

    Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 15th November 1991.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    Draft EC Treaties

    Mr. Benn : To ask the Prime Minister under what legal authority he would sign any treaties agreed at Maastricht; and what force such treaties would then have in British law.

    The Prime Minister : Signature of any treaty agreed at Maastricht would be an Executive act and as such would have no force in the United Kingdom law. Ratification of any treaty is a prerogative act, exercised by the Government on behalf of the Crown. Before the United Kingdom could ratify any treaty signed at Maastricht, its provisions would need to be incorporated into United Kingdom law by amending the European Communities Act 1972.

     

    European Central Bank

    Mr. Spearing : To ask the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the potential benefits and penalties that would arise from the full operation of a European central bank as currently proposed in the Dutch draft treaty for economic and monetary union.

    The Prime Minister : That judgment can be made only if and when the adoption of a single currency becomes a realistic prospect. Under the treaty now under negotiation the earliest date envisaged for the introduction of a single currency is some years away. It will be for the Government and Parliament to assess at that stage the potential benefits and penalties of a European central bank.

     

    Special Advisers

    Mr. Allen : To ask the Prime Minister on how many occasions he has declined to appoint a special adviser nominated for appointment.

    The Prime Minister : The appointment of special advisers is a matter for the relevant Minister in consultation with me. It would not be appropriate to give the information requested.

     

    Political Advisers

    Mr. Allen : To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answers of 5 November, Official Report, column 42 and 11 November, Official Report, column 353, listing current political advisers, if he will list the names of the advisers alongside the Ministers and Department which they serve.

    The Prime Minister : The special advisers (political) who are currently serving are :

    Name |Department |Minister

    —————————————————————————————————————

    Mr. K. Adams |Agriculture, Fisheries and Food |Minister

    Mr. H. Harris-Hughes |Cabinet Office (including No. 10)

    Mr. J. Hill |Cabinet Office (including No. 10)

    Mrs. S. Hogg |Cabinet Office (including No. 10)

    Mr. A. Rosling |Cabinet Office (including No. 10)

    Mr. N. True |Cabinet Office (including No. 10)

    Miss B. Wallis (part-time) |Cabinet Office (including No. 10)

    Ms. S. Hole |Cabinet Office (Chief Whip’s Office) |Chief Whip

    Mr. P. Moman |Cabinet Office (Privy Council Office) |Minister of State, Privy Council Office

    Mr. J. R. M. Gardner |Defence |Secretary of State

    Mrs. T. Keswick |Education and Science |Secretary of State

    Mr. D. Ruffley |Education and Science |Secretary of State

    Mr. T. Collins |Employment |Secretary of State

    Mr. G. Black |Energy |Secretary of State

    Mr. A. Kemp (part-time) |Environment |Secretary of State

    Lady Strathnaver |Environment |Secretary of State

    Ms. A. Broom |Environment |Jointly to the Ministers for Local

    | Government and the Inner Cities;

    | Environment and Countryside;

    | and Housing and Planning

    Mr. E. Bickham |Foreign and Commonwealth |Secretary of State

    Mr. M. Fraser |Foreign and Commonwealth |Minister of State for Foreign and | Commonwealth Affairs

    Ms. L. Campey |Health |Secretary of State

    Mrs. K. Ramsay (part-time) |Health |Secretary of State

    Mr. R. Marsh |Health |Secretary of State

    Mr. T. Kerpel |Home Office |Secretary of State

    Mr. C. M. Grantham |Home Office |Jointly to two Ministers of State

    | (the Right Hon. John Patten and

    | the Right Hon. Mrs Rumbold)

    Mrs. E. Laing |Privy Council Office |Lord President of the Council

    Ms. S. McEwen |Privy Council Office |Lord Privy Seal

    Mr. A. Young |Scottish Office |Secretary of State

    Mr. I. Stewart |Social Security |Secretary of State

    Mr. Anisfield |Trade and Industry |Secretary of State

    Mr. J. Mayhew |Trade and Industry |Secretary of State

    Mr. P. Miller |Transport |Secretary of State

    Dr. W. Robinson |Treasury |Chancellor of the Exchequer

    Mr. A. Ross-Goobey |Treasury |Chief Secretary

    Mr. W. Lightfoot |Treasury |Financial Secretary

     

    South Africa

    Mr. Richard Page : To ask the Prime Minister what steps the Government are taking to help prepare black South Africans for a role in public administration under a post-apartheid constitution.

    The Prime Minister : Our growing aid programme for black South Africans emphasises education and training as the key to enabling black people to play their rightful role in a post-apartheid South Africa. In this context, my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and Minister for Overseas Development has announced the Government’s plans to help to train those who may become officials within the new political system. This help is open to black South Africans of all parties and to those without political affiliation. We have invited nominees from various political groups, including the African National Congress, the Inkatha Freedom party, the Pan-Africanist Congress and AZAPO, as well as from non-political bodies. A course for potential senior officials will start in January at the Civil Service college. My right hon. Friend is preparing plans for further help in this area.

     

    Environmental Policy

    Mr. Simon Hughes : To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the priority Her Majesty’s Government attache to environmental policy against the Government’s other policies.

    The Prime Minister [holding answer 14 November 1991] : The Government aim to integrate environmental concern into all policies, as explained in detail in the White Paper, “This Common Inheritance” (Cm 1200) and “This Common Inheritance : The First Year Report”. (Cm 1655)

  • Mr Major’s Speech at Unveiling of Bust of Nehru – 14 November 1991

    Below is Mr Major’s address to mark the unveiling of the bust of Nehru at India House, on Thursday 14th November 1991.

    PRIME MINISTER:

    High Commissioner, thank you very much indeed for your very generous introduction. It is a very great honour to be here today. If I may say so, I accept that honour just not on my own behalf but – looking around the room I see some distinguished parliamentarians from both the House of Commons and the House of Lords of all the major parties who are here – as the clearest possible indication of the very deep and extensive ties of friendship that exist between this country and India which is so aptly expressed with the presence of so many senior colleagues here today.

    It is a remarkable honour to be invited to unveil this bust on the 102nd anniversary of Pandit Nehru’s birth. By any reckoning, Nehru was one of the very great men of the century, an architect of independent India, a world statesman who in that role helped lay the foundation of the modern Commonwealth. A patriot, a democrat and a champion of liberty in a way that no one can deny. And especially aptly, if I may mention it, as an Englishman, especially a true and consistent friend of Britain throughout all these years.

    Nehru did a very great deal to foster and encourage friendship and co-operation between Britain and India. He laid sound and enduring foundations which we have been able to build on as generations have succeeded. I am delighted at the excellent shape our bilateral relations are in at the present time and I had the very great pleasure of meeting Prime Minister Narasimha-Rao in Harare when we were able to have extensive discussions and it was, I hope, the first of many occasions when I hope to have the opportunity of meeting him and discussing matters of interest to us both.

    If I may, High Commissioner, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate publically what I have said to you before privately and it is something I believe also would be a view expressed across all shades of opinion in this country and that is how profoundly shocked we were at the appalling assassination of Rajiv Gandhi earlier this year following particularly upon the earlier assassination, some time ago, of Indira Gandhi. The depth of feeling in this country about that spreads far beyond the large and welcome Indian community who live here and I am delighted to have this opportunity to reiterate again how very sad we felt those events were and how much we felt for India and the Gandhi family at that time.

    One of the most remarkable things that have come out of those terrible events is the extent to which they have shown to those people who would challenge democracy, that democracy in India has taken root, is going to be persistent and will not be shaken even by terrorist acts of that sort. So it is perhaps particularly a tribute to the Indian democracy, to which Nehru was so passionately committed, that Indian elections in the summer were held successfully despite this latest appalling tragedy. I offer my congratulations to the Indian politicians and the Indian public on the fact that that was possible.

    And let me offer my assurance to you, High Commissioner, that we will continue to work closely with India to defeat the evil of terrorism in every possible way that we can. In so far as we can help with rooting it out you may be certain that we will continue to do that both in this country and with our partners in Europe in the way in which policies develop in the future.

    We have High Commissioner, in our country, a community of over 800,000 people of Indian origin. I believe they make an important and enterprising contribution to our national life. I have had some direct experience of that. I think there is no doubt in the minds of everyone who looks at the matter dispassionately that the Indian population in this country have been a very considerable asset to life in this country and if I may say so too High Commissioner they are welcome and I wish them continued prosperity.

    It is therefore entirely appropriate that the bust of Nehru, for all he has done, for all he stands for, for all the inspiration he has given in the past, does give today and will I believe give in the future, that his bust should have a prominent place in the heart of London. And I can think of no more appropriate prominent place than here. So it gives me very great pleasure indeed to unveil it as a perpetual memorial of a very great man.

  • PMQT Written Answers – 14 November 1991

    Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 14th November 1991.

    PRIME MINISTER:

     

    Engagements

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

    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.

     

    Tibet

    Dr. Godman : To ask the Prime Minister what factors he regards as part of the fundamental human rights of the Tibetan people; and if he will make a statement.

    The Prime Minister : We believe that human rights, as set out in the universal declaration of human rights adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations, should apply to all people.

     

    Redistribution of Wealth

    Mr. Simon Hughes : To ask the Prime Minister what is the policy of Her Majesty’s Government towards reducing the gap between the richest and the poorest 10 per cent. of the British population.

    The Prime Minister : The Government’s policy is to improve incentives to work and to save. Over the period 1979 to 1988–the latest available information–real incomes in all parts of the income distribution have risen.

     

    EC Regional Body

    Ms. Quin : To ask the Prime Minister what consideration he has given to the proposals to establish an EC institution representing the regions of the EC; what are his proposals regarding United Kingdom regional representation on the body ; and if he will make a statement.

    The Prime Minister : We support proposals in the intergovernmental conference on political union for a new consultative body to represent the regions at Community level. Negotiations continue on the detailed arrangements. United Kingdom representation will be considered after the IGC.

     

    Minister for Youth

    Mr. Simon Hughes : To ask the Prime Minister if he will expressly designate a Minister with specific responsibility for youth.

    The Prime Minister : No. The opportunities and problems facing young people are often not specific to that age group, and young people are themselves not a homogeneous group. They can best be served through specific actions spanning a range of Departments.

  • PMQT – 14 November 1991

    Below is the text of Prime Minister’s Question Time from 14th November 1991.

    PRIME MINISTER

     

    Engagements

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

    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. French : Has my right hon. Friend seen the opinion poll in The Guardian this morning which shows very strong support for his stand on Europe, with the vast majority of people having confidence in the benefits for business purposes of a single market, but showing understandable scepticism about the implications of a single currency? Did he also notice that twice as many people would trust him to negotiate on Europe for this country as would trust the Leader of the Opposition?

    The Prime Minister : I did notice with some interest that particular survey. I believe that a majority of people in this country want to make a success of our membership of the Community. There have been many positive developments, a large number of them led by this country such as the introduction of the single market. I see no reason for us to be fearful of developments in the Community–it is often an opportunity, not a risk.

    Mr. Kinnock rose — [Interruption.]

    Mr. Speaker : Order. This takes a lot of time out of Question Time.

    Mr. Kinnock : Will the Prime Minister take this opportunity to tell us why over the last year the unemployment record of his Government is by far the worst of any in the European Community?

    The Prime Minister : As the right hon. Gentleman knows, unemployment is rising right across the industrial world almost without exception–in the United States, Japan, Italy, France and Canada. What we are beginning to see in this country–and I welcome it very much–is a sharp slowdown in the rise in unemployment. This is the third successive month that that has happened. I very much hope that that trend will be continued. It is too early to be entirely sure, but it looks as though the tide may well have turned.

    Mr. Kinnock : In the last 12 months net unemployment in the whole of the European Community has gone up by 940,000. Of that total, 768, 000–80 per cent.–has been in this country. Is not it clear from those figures that the unique disadvantage suffered by the people of Britain is that they have this Government with the right hon. Gentleman’s policies, which depend on putting people out of work?

    The Prime Minister : The right hon. Gentleman might look close to home before he makes that general assertion. Unemployment in his constituency has fallen by 37 per cent. since the last general election. The number of new vacancies notified to jobcentres is now beginning to rise. That is a welcome sign. The change in the unemployment position is welcome and I very much hope that it will continue. I thought that the right hon. Gentleman would have welcomed that and not tried to isolate the problems of this country as he is well aware that they are occurring everywhere else.

    Mr. Kinnock : My reference arose because the Prime Minister was trying to obscure his record. If he is interested in looking close to home, he should note the fact that while unemployment in my constituency has, tragically, gone up by the figure he mentioned in the course of the past 12 months, it has gone up in his constituency by 110 per cent. That is very close to home.

    Will he now answer the question why in the other 11 countries of the European Community the total rise in unemployment in the past 12 months has been 130,000, while in this country, for which the right hon. Gentleman is responsible, unemployment has risen by nearly 800,000?

    Hon. Members : Answer!

    Mr. Speaker : Order. Shouting of that kind does not help.

    The Prime Minister : The right hon. Gentleman mentioned his constituency and mine, but he neglected to mention that in both constituencies the latest figures show a fall in unemployment. If the right hon. Gentleman was genuinely concerned about unemployment, he would now withdraw from the table his minimum wage policy–a policy which would increase unemployment dramatically.

    Mr. Butcher : Given the opinion poll results in The Guardian today, which show that a clear and growing majority of people are against further moves towards European monetary and political union, does my right hon. Friend find it rather curious that both the Liberal Democrats and the Labour party favour unilateral disarmament on the question of federalism? To what does he attribute their unaccustomed bravery on that issue?

    The Prime Minister : I find Opposition Members’ position on Europe curious. They appear to be prepared to sign up indiscriminately to anything –to a federal Europe, to huge extensions in competence and to control over foreign policy, defence and immigration. There is no sign from either the right hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Ashdown) or the Leader of the Opposition that they would draw the line anywhere on transfer of authority to Brussels.

     

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

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

    Mr. Beith : Does the Prime Minister agree that although there is scope for compromise on many matters at Maastricht, the one issue on which it is impossible to compromise is the difference between those who believe that Britain could and should join in a single currency and those who believe that we should not do so at any price and that we should never even have joined the exchange rate mechanism? Had he not better make that clear to both the Conservative and Labour Members who still believe that Britain could stay out of the developments that will take place in Europe?

    The Prime Minister : The hon. Gentleman might also bear in mind the fact that his party should take account of many of the dangers of what is proposed, for at the moment the Liberal Democrats seem prepared to sign up indiscriminately to what is proposed from anywhere within Europe.

    Mr. David Evans : Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Conservative party is proud to have reduced the basic rate of tax from 33p in the pound to 25p and the upper rate from 98p to 40p? Can he confirm that we shall have one Budget next year and shall not burden the British people with a massive payment of back tax, as is suggested by crackpot Opposition Members?

    The Prime Minister : I can confirm that we shall have one Budget next year–and that we shall have one the year after and the year after that, as well.

     

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

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

    Mr. Flannery : When will the Prime Minister apologise to the British people for the disgraceful inequities and sheer misery caused all over the country by the poll tax, which he was one of the first people to promote? Does he realise that his failure to do so brings his integrity into severe question? May I suggest that he apologises in a broadcast from No. 10 Downing street, which I understand he occupies temporarily, and that he should give some thought–

    Mr. Speaker : Order. This is taking a long time. If that is done, I hope that it can be done here.

    Mr. Flannery : He could then give some thought to the inequities of the council tax, so called, which is the nasty twin brother of the poll tax and which will leave debris–caused by the Prime Minister and the Conservative party–all over the country.

    The Prime Minister : In case the hon. Gentleman has not noticed, we are in the process of replacing the poll tax.

    Mr. Gwilym Jones : May I remind my right hon. Friend of today’s unemployment figures for Wales, where both the actual and the seasonally adjusted rates have fallen? Does not that confirm that what we really need is a continuation of my right hon. Friend’s policies, not a regional assembly for Wales, which would be an unnecessary quango that would cost the people of Wales £1 million a week?

    The Prime Minister : I entirely agree. Unemployment has fallen not only in Wales but in Scotland and in the northern region and I hope that it will soon fall elsewhere, too.

     

    Q4. Mr. Wigley : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 14 November.

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

    Mr. Wigley : How does the Prime Minister reconcile the welcome emphasis that he placed at the Commonwealth conference on the extension of democratic government throughout the Commonwealth with the continuing reluctance of the Government to give any form of democratic control over their own lives to the people of Wales and Scotland?

    The Prime Minister : As I have told the hon. Gentleman on previous occasions, I believe that union in the United Kingdom and the present system of government serve us extremely well. There was a referendum on devolution some years ago and the people of Wales forcefully expressed their view against the principle of devolution on that occasion.

    Mr. Marlow : Could my right hon. Friend reinforce the point that he has just made? There are two alternatives. One is the preferred alternative for Scotland and Wales : the status quo. The other alternative for Scotland is independence. The crackpot halfway-house idea of the Labour party, in which Scottish institutions look after Scottish affairs and Scottish Members of Parliament dabble in English affairs, would be unacceptable to the people of England.

    The Prime Minister : I am in no doubt that the right future for this country is to maintain the union between the United Kingdom and Scotland. Other proposals have no credibility. The self-styled Scottish convention was self-appointed and is unrepresentative, and the introduction of tax-raising powers for Scotland would make it the highest-taxed part of the United Kingdom and would destroy and inward investment that has done so much for its standard of life.

     

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

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

    Mr. Livingstone : Will the Prime Minister take time this week to write to the broadcasting authorities to say that he is willing to take part in a live, televised debate between the party leaders during the next general election campaign?

    The Prime Minister : The hon. Gentleman knows better than to put questions like that now.

    Mr. Bill Walker : Will my right hon. Friend confirm that the Scottish Conservative party has debated devolution and that the proposals now on offer from the Labour party and the Liberal Democrats are flawed and fraudulent? Will he further confirm that they were not an issue in the recent by-election in Scotland?

    The Prime Minister : As my hon. Friend knows, the Government remain fully committed to the union–a point which is well recognised in Scotland. The reality of change is certainly understood by the Scottish business community which well knows the impact that some of the alternatives would have on Scotland–they would not have a happy impact.

     

    Q6. Mr. Sillars : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 14 November.

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

    Mr. Sillars : When will the Prime Minister of England and that lackey of his in St. Andrew’s house admit that they are bereft of all moral and political authority to govern the people of Scotland? Why will not the Prime Minister accept the challenge of a referendum? Is he feared that he will lose and that independence will win?

    The Prime Minister : The right to govern Scotland flows from general elections. The hon. Gentleman may have noted what a Labour Member said the other day :

    “The party which holds a majority in the United Kingdom Parliament has a mandate for the whole United Kingdom.”

     

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

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

    Mr. Arbuthnot : Can my right hon. Friend comment on the recent improvements unveiled in the Guy’s hospital patients charter, with 3, 500 more patients treated in the first six months, with better staff conditions and with lower waiting lists? Can he compare these facts about the national health service with the fictions put out by the Labour Front Bench?

    The Prime Minister : My hon. Friend makes a powerful point. Just a few months ago, Opposition Members were telling us that trust hospitals would fail and that they should be judged by the simple test of whether they do more or less work on NHS patients. With regard to Guy’s, we now know that they do more and are a success. We will have more of them.

  • Mr Major’s Commons Statement on the NATO Summit in Rome – 12 November 1991

    Below is the text of Mr Major’s statement to the House of Commons on the NATO Summit in Rome, held on 12th November 1991.

    PRIME MINISTER:

    The Prime Minister (Mr. John Major) : With permission, Mr. Speaker, I shall make a statement on the NATO summit in Rome on 7 and 8 November which I attended with my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary.

    Last July, in London, NATO agreed to adapt its strategy to the changed situation in Europe and to build up a new partnership with the countries of central and eastern Europe. At the summit we agreed on how to carry forward both those tasks.

    The strategic concept reflects the British Government’s objectives. These were to ensure that NATO remains the linchpin of western security, charged with dealing with whatever security problems might threaten. The strategy reaffirms the need for a collective defence based on NATO’s integrated military structure; and also on the need for both nuclear and conventional forces, kept up to date where necessary, but at significantly lower levels. Alliance forces in every NATO country will be smaller, more mobile and more flexible. At the summit we endorsed the establishment of new rapid reaction forces, in which the United Kingdom will command the land element. The summit declaration establishes a North Atlantic Co-operation Council. This forum will enable NATO to discuss common security issues with the Soviet Union, the Baltic states and the countries of eastern Europe. At Britain’s suggestion, the first such meeting will be held at Foreign Minister level in Brussels in mid-December. We have agreed a wider role for NATO. Henceforth, NATO will not just be keeping the peace ; it will be actively promoting peace. It will be prepared to help the countries of eastern Europe in planning defence forces in a democracy, with civilian-military relations, and in converting defence production to civilian purposes. The relationship may well develop still further.

    The NATO summit also, for the first time, considered in depth the European defence identity and the alliance. We affirmed some important principles : first, the principle that NATO is the essential forum for consultation and agreement on policies bearing on the security and defence of alliance territory; secondly, endorsement of the British proposals to use the Western European Union as the means of strengthening the European pillar of the alliance; thirdly, the need to establish clear and open relations between NATO and the Western European Union and to involve other allies on issues discussed in the Western European Union which affect their security.

    Heads of Government received a report on Yugoslavia following a meeting of Community Foreign Ministers with Lord Carrington. In view of the grave situation in Yugoslavia and the repeated breaches of the ceasefire, Community Governments agreed in Rome on a series of restrictive measures. They include suspension of the trade and co-operation agreement; suspension of benefits under the general scheme of preferences; suspension of the PHARE–Poland and Hungary Assistance for Economic Restructuring– programme; and the restoration of quotas on textiles. Community Governments asked those member states that are members of the Security Council to promote measures in the Security Council to tighten the arms embargo, and to take steps towards imposing an oil embargo. We are now consulting other members of the UN Security Council about the introduction of such measures.

    Community Governments also decided that positive action should be taken to benefit the parties which were being co-operative in the peace process. Taken together, these measures will increase the pressure on those responsible for appalling bloodshed and suffering in Yugoslavia. NATO Heads of Government issued a separate statement making clear the allies’ strong support for the efforts of the European Community to promote peace in Yugoslavia.

    We also discussed developments in the Soviet Union. We publicly supported economic reform and democratisation. We stressed the need for the authorities in the republics, as well as at the centre, to respect their obligations–on human rights, on arms control and on economic policy. In particular, we urged them to do everything necessary to implement the CFE– conventional forces in Europe–and strategic arms reduction treaties, and to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

    We are living through a dramatic revolution in eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. We have to use all the means at our disposal–the European Community, the conference on security and co-operation in Europe and NATO– to help them to build stable democracy in their countries. NATO remains the core of our defence. Were we again to face a military threat, NATO would be there to meet it ; but NATO is now reaching out to the countries of eastern Europe to help to provide stability and a sense of security. All of us at last week’s meeting agreed that the continuing American and Canadian presence in Europe is vital to both defending and promoting peace in Europe. Britain will have a central part in that task, both in the alliance and in the European Community.

    The decisions of the NATO summit provide important guidelines for the negotiations leading to the European Council in Maastricht. I hope that the House will welcome the outcome of the summit as a significant contribution to a sound defence and to democratic stability in Europe.