1993 - PMQT Written Answers 11th March 1993

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

 

PRIME MINISTER:

Matrix Churchill

Mr. Mike O'Brien : To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he had with members of the United States Congress on his recent visit to Washington about Matrix Churchill.

The Prime Minister : None.

 

Engagements

Mr. Harry Greenway : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 11 March.

Sir Peter Tapsell : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 11 March.

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.

 

Knighthoods

Mr. Tony Banks : To ask the Prime Minister if it is now his policy that the Lord Mayor of the City of London corporation will no longer be recommended automatically for a knighthood.

The Prime Minister [holding answer 10 March 1993] : Yes.

Mr. Tony Banks : To ask the Prime Minister how many hon. Members have received knighthoods since 1979.

The Prime Minister [holding answer 10 March 1993] : One hundred and seven Members of Parliament have received knighthoods since May 1979.

 

Prerogative Powers

Mr. Allen : To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 1 March, Official Report, column 19, if he will give examples of areas where the prerogative powers residing in the Crown are not exercisable by Ministers.

The Prime Minister [holding answer 9 March 1993] : There is a variety of situations in which the Queen may exercise the prerogative directly or on the basis of advice, including the advice of Ministers. These include the Dissolution of Parliament and certain appointments--for example, those of Ministers, the Archbishop of Canterbury, other ecclesiastical appointments, lords lieutenant and certain other office holders. In the matter of honours, the Queen would normally make appointments herself in the Order of the Garter, the Order of the Thistle, the Order of Merit and in the Royal Victorian Order, but for the rest would receive recommendations from her Ministers here and in the Commonwealth.

 

Manufacturers

Mr. Nicholas Winterton : To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his Government's policy on the level of support and encouragement which should be given to British manufacturers.

The Prime Minister [holding answer 9 March 1993] : The Government's commitment to industry is at the heart of our policies, where it will remain. I refer my hon. Friend to the detailed answers that he received from my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Employment on 26 January at column 659, my right hon. Friend the Minister for Industry on 27 January at columns, 735-36, and my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary on 29 January at column 894 for details of specific measures that the Government have recently taken.