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Written Answers
Trades Union Congress
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13 JULY 1982
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Q8. Mr. Norman Atkinson asked the Prime Minister when next she intends to meet the leaders of the Trades Union Congress.
So.
The Prime Minister: I have no immediate plans to do
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Factory Closures
Q15. Mr. Campbell-Savours asked
the
Prime Minister how many hon. Members she has seen on matters relating to factory closures since she last answered oral questions; and how many jobs were expected to be lost in the closures mentioned.
The Prime Minister: I have had no such meetings since 8 July.
Falkland Islands
Q27. Mr. Latham asked the Prime Minister whether she will make a further statement on the Falkland Islands.
Q34. Mr. Powell asked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on the Falkland Islands.
Q64. Mr. Dalyell asked the Prime Minister if she will make a further statement on the Falkland Islands.
The Prime Minister: There have been no further hostilities since 14 June. The Argentine Foreign Minister has stated that there is a de facto ceasefire. On 9 July the Argentines released Flight Lieutenant Glover, the one British prisoner of war in their hands.
In the light of these facts, we believe that Argentina accepts that active hostilities are now at an end. We have therefore decided to return to Argentina all the remaining 593 prisoners of war in accordance with article 118 of the third Geneva convention. Arrangements have been agreed with the Argentine authorities for these prisoners to be disembarked at the Port of Madryn, where they will be arriving as soon as possible.
European Community (Meeting)
Q32. Mr. Teddy Taylor asked the Prime Minister when the next meeting of European Economic Community leaders is to take place.
The Prime Minister: In early December, on present plans.
Freedom of Information Act
Q54. Mr. Arthur Lewis asked the Prime Minister whether she will now agree to introduce a Freedom of Information Act.
The Prime Minister: No.
Property and Capital (Private Ownership)
Q55. Mr. Kenneth Carlisle asked the Prime Minister if Her Majesty's Government will take further steps to extend individual ownership of property and capital in all forms to as many United Kingdom citizens as possible.
The Prime Minister: We have already done a good deal to encourage and extend individual ownership of property and capital. We intend to continue these efforts because we believe that a free society is founded on ownership of property and capital by as many people as possible.
174
Written Answers
Ministerial Documents (Access)
Mr. Arthur Lewis asked the Prime Minister if she will list the statutory provisions which govern the availability to various categories of person of Cabinet and ministerial papers and documents; if there are any statutory provisions which specifically refer to access by Ministers and Prime Ministers in this connection; and if she will introduce legislation to make provision for such access in 'circumstances where maladministration, neglect and failure to protect the realm are involved.
The Prime Minister: A number of statutes relate generally to acess to official documents, including, for example, the Official Secrets Act 1911, the Public Records Acts 1958 and 1967, as amended, and the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967. There is no statutory provision which specifically relates to access to Cabinet and ministerial papers by Ministers or Prime Ministers. I do not propose to introduce legislation of the kind suggested by the hon. Gentleman; in my judgment these matters are best dealt with by constitutional conventions.
Unemployment
Mr. Latham asked the Prime Minister which Minister currently has overall responsibility for co-ordinating Government actions to reduce unemployment; and whether, in view of the priority accorded by Her Majesty's Government to the reduction of unemployment, she will ensure that that Minister is in a position to call for and study all possible responses to this problem, including earlier retirement, paying an allowance to young people to stay in full-time education and a fresh package of measures to help construction and work sharing.
The Prime Minister: The Government's strategy to create the conditions for a healthy and competitive economy-the principal means by which a sustainable reduction in unemployment will be achieved—is a matter of collective responsibility involving the Departmental functions of a number of Ministers. The Government's programme of special employment and training measures designed specifically to reduce unemployment in the short term is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment and is kept under regular review.
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China (Visit)
Mr. Proctor asked the Prime Minister in which areas of Anglo-Chinese relations she hopes to make progress during her proposed visit to the People's Republic of China in September; and if she will make a statement.
The Prime Minister: I hope to consolidate our good relationship with China. We shall exchange views on key international issues and the future of Hong Kong. I also hope to promote British trade with China, particularly in connection with certain major forthcoming projects.
Argentina (Arms Sales)
Mr. Steen asked the Prime Minister whether Her Majesty's Government remain satisfied that there has been meno serious cause for concern about the sale of arms by Israel to Argentina.
Vol. 27
COL.
DATE.
No. 152
340 137. Pr
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