The Rt. Hon. Sir John Major KG CH

Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 1990-1997

1991Prime Minister (1990-1997)

PMQT Written Answers – 14 November 1991

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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.