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Written Answers
21 OCTOBER 1986
The Prime Minister: I attended the Commonwealth review meeting from 3 to 5 August which was called to consider the Nassau accord in the light of the report of the Eminent Persons Group. Heads of Government adopted some further measures designed to impress upon the South African Government the urgent need for fundamental change. I have placed a copy of the review meeting communiqué in the Library of the House.
Civil Service (Code of Ethics)
Mr. Dalyell asked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on the discussions between Sir Robert Armstrong, Secretary of the Cabinet, and Civil Service unions on the code of ethics Sir Robert Armstrong issued after the Clive Ponting case.
The Prime Minister: The Civil Service unions have indicated that they will be taking up the offer of such discussions in due course.
La Belle Discotheque
Mr. Dalyell asked the Prime Minister what evidence she now has from the German authorities in their continuing investigation into alleged Libyan involvement in the bombing of La Belle discotheque.
The Prime Minister: I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave the hon. Member on 3 July at col 587.
Hong Kong
Mr. Parry asked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on her recent meeting with the Governor of Hong Kong.
The Prime Minister: I met the Governor and members of the Executive Council of Hong Kong on 10 September. We reviewed developments in Hong Kong since my last visit to the territory in December 1984 and the ratification in May 1985 of the Sino-British joint declaration on the future of Hong Kong. A copy of the communiqué released after the meeting has been placed in the Library of the House.
Northern Region (Ministerial Statement)
Mr. Parry asked the Prime Minister if the statement of the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security, the hon. Member for Derbyshire, South (Mrs. Currie), on her visit to the northern region on health standards in the region represent Government policy; and if she will make a statement.
The Prime Minister: The Government see it as an important part of their task to ensure that individuals are made aware of the effect on health of smoking, unwise diet and excessive alcohol. People in all parts of the country can do a great deal to avoid ill health for themselves and their families by consciously reducing or avoiding these risks to health.
Minister for Merseyside
Mr. Parry asked the Prime Minister if she has any plans to appoint a Minister for Merseyside; and if she will make
a statement.
RA (falo visit) Am bath
Written Answers
784
The Prime Minister: No, but my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment continues to hold responsibility for the special Merseyside task force and for the Merseyside urban development corporation.
Engagements
Mr. Peter Bruinvels asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 21 October.
Mr. Greenway asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 21 October.
The Prime Minister: This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others, including one with President Soares of Portugal. In addition to my duties in this House I shall be having further meetings later today.
last
ATTORNEY-GENERAL
peper "Sun" Newspaper
Mr. Ernie Ross asked the Attorney-General when he expects to reply to the communication addressed to him on 23 May by Professor Musa Mazzawi concerning the Sun newspaper.
The Attorney-General: A reply to professor Musa Mazzawi's letter dated 23 May 1986 was sent by my officials on 12 June 1986 and the matter he raised has subsequently been the subject of further correspondence.
Mr. Ernie Ross asked the Attorney-General if he will prosecute the editor of the Sun or the cartoonist who signs his name as Franklin for the offence of incitement to racial hatred under section 5A(1) of the Public Order Act 1936, as amended by section 70 of the Race Relations Act 1970, and section 28 of the Criminal Law Act 1977, in respect of the cartoon published on page 6 of the Sun newspaper on 15 May.
The Attorney-General : On 20 August 1986 I decided not to grant my consent to the prosecution of the editor of the Sun and the cartoonist who signs his name as Franklin in respect of an allegation that they had committed an offence contrary to section 5A Public Order Act 1936.
Booth Report
Mr. Heddle asked the Attorney-General when he proposes to publish his response to the Booth report on matrimonial causes procedure.
The Attorney-General: In November 1985 the Lord Chancellor's Department invited the views of interested persons and bodies on the detailed recommendations made in the Booth report, and, in particular, on those recommendations which would not require primary legislation. The views received are being analysed. The Government hope to announce their decision concerning these recommendations in the light of those views, as soon as is practicable.
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