The Rt. Hon. Sir John Major KG CH

Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 1990-1997

1996Prime Minister (1990-1997)

PMQT Written Answers – 21 May 1996

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Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 21st May 1996.

PRIME MINISTER:

 

Engagements

Mr. Harry Greenway: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 21 May.

Sir Peter Tapsell: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 21 May.

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.

 

Hawk Aircraft

Mr. Madden: To ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will arrange the withdrawal of (a) export licences and (b) export guarantees issued by the Export Credits Guarantee Department in relation to the supply to India by British Aerospace of Hawk aircraft and the transfer of technology enabling the production of Hawk aircraft in India; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he will make representations to British Aerospace urging to cancel any agreement with the Government of India concerning the supply of Hawk aircraft and the transfer of technology enabling India to manufacture Hawk aircraft; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister: No. I have nothing further to add to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Trade on 15 May, Official Report columns 942-43.

 

WPC Yvonne Fletcher

Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Prime Minister what action Her Majesty’s Government have taken in the case of WPC Yvonne Fletcher, in relation to the statement of Colonel George Styles, Professor Hugh Thomas, and Home Office pathologist, Professor Bernard Knight, since the Adjournment debate on 8 May.

The Prime Minister [holding answer 20 May 1996]: The investigation of crime is a matter for the police. As my right hon. Friend the Minister of State at the Home Department made clear to the House on 8 May, the Metropolitan police are aware of the television programme to which the hon. Member refers, and are reviewing its contents as part of their continuing investigation into the murder of WPC Yvonne Fletcher.

 

Abortion

Mr. Alton: To ask the Prime Minister if he will extend the conscience clause of the Abortion Act 1967 to non-NHS employees affected by abortion procedures.

The Prime Minister: The Government always encourage employers to give due consideration to their employees’ beliefs and feelings, and to operate fair and objective disciplinary procedures. It has been a longstanding convention that the Government do not initiate change in legislation relating to abortion. It is open to Members of both Houses to introduce proposals for parliamentary consideration.