776
Written Answers
W153;
100
Written Answers
Prisoners
9 JUNE 1981
Mr. Latham asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the number of prisoners in Northern Ireland currently in breach of normal prison rules regarding clothing and related aspects; what proportion they represent of convicted terrorists serving sentences in Her Majesty's Prison Maze; and how many are currently refusing food or medical treatment.
Mr. Humphrey Atkins: I shall reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.
Prime Minister (Visit)
Mr. Latham asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a statement on the nature of, and arrangements made for, the invitation extended to the Roman Catholic Cardinal Archbishop of Armagh and other Roman Catholic Bishops, to meet the Prime Minister during her recent visit to the Province.
Mr. Humphrey Atkins: For security reasons, information about the visit to Northern Ireland of the Prime Minister was, as is customary, closely restricted. Invitations to the Cardinal Archbishop of Armagh and to other members of the Catholic hierarchy could only be issued at or shortly before the time of the Prime Minister's arrival in Northern Ireland. At such notice they were unable to change their existing commitments. Invitations to other Church leaders were issued on precisely the same
basis. The Prime Minister has made it clear that she wil be glad to meet the Cardinal Archbishop at any mutually agreeable time.
Electricity and Gas Disconnections
Rev. Ian Paisley asked the Secretary of State fo Northern Ireland in what circumstances the electricity and gas supplies can be disconnected in homes in Northerr Ireland between 1 October and 31 March when al members of the household are receiving supplementary benefit and have no savings.
Mr. Adam Butler: I shall reply to the hon. Gentlemar as soon as possible.
FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS
Heads of Missions
45. Sir Anthony Royle asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will list the heads of mission in the following countries: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore. Indonesia. the Philippines, Burma and Brunei; on what date each ambassador or high commissioner received agrément; when their term is due to finish and what are the grades of each head of mission and their previous appointments.
Mr. Hurd: The details for which my hon. Friend has asked are as follows:
Present Incumbent
Date of Agrément
Normal Length of Tour
End of Standard Tour
Grade
Previous Appointment
Thailand
Mr. H. A. J. Staples
9 February 1981
2x18
Malaysia
Mr. W. Bentley CMG
29 January 1981
months 2x18
Summer 1984
3
Counsellor, Dublin
Summer
2
HM Ambassador, Manila
Singapore
Mr. J. D. Hennings CMG
25 October 1977
months 2× 18
1984
Spring 1982
3
Assistant Under-
Indonesia
Mr. R. Brash CMG (designate)
17 February 1981
Philippines
Mr. M. H. Morgan CMG
28 January 1981
months 2X 18 months 2× 18
on retirement
Secretary of State, FCO
Summer
3
1984
Consul-General,
Dusseldorf
Summer
3
High Commissioner.
Burma
Mr. C. L. Booth CMG CVO
8 December 1978
months 3×12
1984
Freetown
months
Summer 1982
3
Counsellor, Belgrade
Brunei
Mr. A. C. Watson CMG
19 September 1978
3×12 months
Spring 1982
Governor, Turks and Caicos Islands
140/10
Montreaux Convention (Through-deck Cruisers)
Mr. Deakins asked the Lord Privy Seal if the United Kingdom's through-deck cruisers count as aircraft carriers for the purpose of the provisions of the Montreaux
convention.
Sir Ian Gilmour: The United Kingdom's Invincible class, previously described as through-deck cruisers, are now designated as anti-submarine warfare helicopter carriers. The British Government's view is that these vessels should be regarded as aircraft carriers for the purposes of the convention.
New Territories, Hong Kong
Mr. Stainton asked the Lord Privy Seal, in view of the Export Credit Guarantee Department's export credit facility to Castle Park power station scheduled to mature 2002 and the possibility of future export credits of this
50
kind, if he will make a statement on the future of the lease from China of the New Territories, Hong Kong due to expire in 1997.
Mr. Ridley: Major projects, of which this is but one example, are indicative of continued confidence in Hong Kong, which is matched by the stated interest of the Chinese Government in Hong Kong's continued prosperity.
South Africa (Radar Units)
Mr. Frank Allaun asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is satisfied that the granting of permission for Plessey to export radar units to South Africa which have a direct military application is not a breach of the United Nations arms embargo; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Hurd: The export of this equipment was approved by both the previous and present Governments
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.