1-20 of 418 results for tabledby:"Matthew Banks"
Librarians' tools
- Search time
- 0.282 seconds
- Solr query time
- 0.003 seconds
- Search query
- tabledby:"Matthew Banks"
- We searched for
- tablingMember_ses:299013
Type
House
Session
Year
Department
More
Member
More
Primary member
Answering member
More
Legislative stage
Legislation
Subject
More
Publisher
Statement on the operation of sections 97 and 102 of the Finance Act 1997.
Statement on the operation of sections 97 and 102 of the Finance Act 1997.
Asked by
Matthew Banks
(Conservative)
Answered by
Angela Knight
(Conservative)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
21 March 1997
Answered on
21 March 1997
Mr. Matthew Banks: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the operation of sections 97 and 102 of
the Finance Act 1997. [21820]
Mrs. Angela Knight: The definition of "intermediary" for the purposes of the new relief aims broadly to distinguish between dealers
and end-investors, on the lines recommended by the Securities and Investments Board in its report to the Chancellor in July 1996.
Sections 97 and 102 of the Finance Act 1997 define "intermediary" as a person who carries on a bona fide business of dealing in
stock or securities, and who does not also carry on a business which the sections describe as an "excluded business". It will depend
on the facts of the particular case whether a dealer is also carrying on an "excluded business".
One category of "excluded business" is a business which consists wholly or mainly in making or managing investments. Thus if the
dealing firm also carries on a separate business of making and managing investments in exchange-traded chargeable securities or
stock on its own behalf, that would be an excluded business and the dealer would not qualify as an intermediary, But if the dealer
is holding such investments merely as an incidental part of a dealing activity taxable under case 1 of schedule D, and not as a
separate business, that would not disqualify the firm from being an intermediary. For example, if the dealer buys and holds shares
merely to hedge derivative contracts which it has made, that would not be regarded as a business of making investments for the
purpose of the excluded business test.
Similarly, the Inland Revenue would not regard a dealer as disqualified merely because the firm also makes and manages investments
for clients, if the investments are not beneficially owned by the dealer. By contrast, if the dealer purchases investments for
clients and the clients hold something short of beneficial ownership in those investments--as would happen, for example, under the
American arrangements known as prime brokerage--that would be regarded as a business of making or managing investments for the
purpose of the excluded business test.
A firm may also be excluded from relief if it carries on a business which consists wholly or mainly of providing services to persons
with which the firm is connected, such as members of the same group of companies. For example, if he dealer carries on a business of
taking positions in equities as a service to connected persons who would not themselves qualify for relief as intermediaries, the
sections would exclude the firm from relief. The Inland Revenue would not however regard the dealer as disqualified if business with
connected persons is merely an incidental part of the firm's business with third parties, or if the services the firm provides are
not related to handling securities within the scope of stamp duty and stamp duty reserve tax--such as research, secretarial or
cleaning services. If the dealing firm buys chargeable securities merely in order to hedge the group's exposure as a result of
derivative contracts undertaken with third parties by other members of the group, that would not be regarded as an excluded
business.
The sections include a power for the Treasury to make regulations to alter the definition of intermediary, if that proves
necessary.
That will give flexibility to respond to market developments, or to deal with any particular practical problems which emerge as the
new regime is introduced.
I understand that concern has also been expressed about the way in which relief may be withdrawn if the Inland Revenue concludes
that a firm which has been recognised as an intermediary has in fact been carrying on an excluded business. The treatment of a
particular case will depend on the precise facts. For example, if the intermediary had been recognised on the basis of incorrect or
misleading information which it had provided about the nature of its business, any relief already given would be withdrawn.
Similarly, if the firm had knowingly started to carry on an excluded business after being recognised as intermediary, it would
generally be appropriate to withdraw relief from the time the excluded business started. On the other hand, where the business was
extended inadvertently into an excluded area, or there were genuine doubts about whether a particular part of the business came into
the excluded category, the Inland Revenue's practice would be to give the intermediary an opportunity to modify or reorganise the
business so as to retain intermediary status; and if a decision was taken to discontinue the relief, past transactions would not be
affected. If firms have doubts about whether particular types of business are excluded business, they may discuss the issues with
the Inland Revenue. The Inland Revenue will consider issuing guidance on other aspects of the new regime if it proves necessary.
In order to qualify for the intermediaries' relief, intermediaries will have to be recognised as such by the exchange of which they
are members, under arrangements approved by the Inland Revenue.
Legislation
Finance Act 1997
Subjects
Financial services; Investment income; Tax allowances; Taxation
Date
21 March 1997
Reference
21820; 292 c976-7W
House
House of Commons
What further progress has been made with proposals for open-ended investment companies which are not subject to the Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities directive. - Includes reference to "Open-Ended Investment Companies: The Next Generation".
What further progress has been made with proposals for open-ended investment companies which are not subject to the Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities directive. - Includes reference to "Open-Ended Investment Companies: The Next Generation".
Asked by
Matthew Banks
(Conservative)
Answered by
Angela Knight
(Conservative)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
21 March 1997
Answered on
21 March 1997
Mr. Matthew Banks: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what further progress has been made with proposals for open-ended
investment companies which are not subject to the undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities directive.
[21821]
Mrs. Angela Knight: Proposals to permit the formation of non-UCITS open ended investment companies were published in a Treasury
consultation document, "Open-Ended Investment Companies: The Next Generation", in December 1996. The proposals secured a wide
measure of support and the Treasury has received a number of helpful responses from the investment fund industry and other
interested parties.
I regret that it has proved possible to complete the proposed legislation in this Session. The Government remain committed to
providing powers for the formation of non-UCITS open ended investment companies.
Subjects
Companies; Investment; Stocks and shares; Collective investment schemes
Date
21 March 1997
Reference
21821; 292 c978W
House
House of Commons
Statement on the recent Council meeting of the Economic and Finance Ministers of the European Union.
Statement on the recent Council meeting of the Economic and Finance Ministers of the European Union.
Asked by
Matthew Banks
(Conservative)
Answered by
Phillip Oppenheim
(Conservative)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
21 March 1997
Answered on
21 March 1997
Mr. Matthew Banks: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the recent Council meeting of the Economic
and Finance Ministers of the European Union. [21422]
Mr. Oppenheim: I represented the UK at the Economic and Finance Council--ECOFIN--of the European Union in Brussels on 17 March.
The Council carried out an examination of the revised convergence programmes of Germany and France for the period 1997-2001. The
German strategy of pursuing budgetary consolidation while promoting growth and employment through structural reforms was welcomed.
The Council also welcomed the objective in the French programme of reducing the Government deficit in the medium term and the
measures they have proposed to achieve this.
The Council agreed to the reactivation of previously agreed balance of payments lending to Romainia. Lending to Bulgaria was
discussed, but no conclusion reached and the matter will be considered again at a future meeting.
The Council recommended that the European Parliament should grant the Commission discharge for the 1995 budget. However, the Council
noted that standards of financial management of the EC budget remained low, and looked forward to the effect of measures in the
Commission's Sound and Efficient Management 2000 initiative to improve resource management. A progress report on this initiative is
due in June.
The Commission presented proposals for an energy products directive. I made it clear that any proposals which would require the UK
to introduce new taxes on gas, electricity or coal would be unacceptable.
The Council discussed technical specifications of euro coins, but no final decisions were reached on this issue. The Council will
need to return to this issue at some point in the future.
Subjects
Bulgaria; EU action; EU budget; Germany; Economic and monetary union; EU economic policy; France; Euro; Romania; EU external relations; EC Finance Council
Date
21 March 1997
Reference
21422; 292 c970-1W
House
House of Commons
When he intends to bring into force the new stamp duty and stamp duty reserve tax reliefs for intermediaries and for stock borrowing and repo arrangements. - Includes fact that assumption is that the new regime will be brought into force in September.
When he intends to bring into force the new stamp duty and stamp duty reserve tax reliefs for intermediaries and for stock borrowing and repo arrangements. - Includes fact that assumption is that the new regime will be brought into force in September.
Asked by
Matthew Banks
(Conservative)
Answered by
Angela Knight
(Conservative)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
21 March 1997
Answered on
21 March 1997
Mr. Matthew Banks: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the intends to bring into force the new stamp duty and stamp duty
reserve tax reliefs for intermediaries and for stock borrowing and repo arrangements. [21822]
Mrs. Angela Knight: Sections 97, 98, 102 and 103 of the Finance Act 1997 provide for the new regime to be brought into force from a
date to be appointed by the Treasury. Our current planning assumption is that the new regime will be brought into force in
September. The precise start date will depend on how soon all the necessary practical arrangements can be put in place. In
particular CREST will have to adapt its present system for administering the present reliefs in order to cater for the new reliefs
instead. It will take a little time to design and test the new system, and we are grateful to CREST for fitting this change into its
programme over the next few months. Market participants will also need to adapt their systems accordingly.
Legislation
Finance Act 1997
Subjects
Investment; Shares; Tax allowances; Stamp duties; Stamp duty reserve tax; EP Committee on Scientific and Technical Research
Date
21 March 1997
Reference
21822; 292 c978W
House
House of Commons
What plans he has for contractually managed prisons to hold sentenced young offenders.
What plans he has for contractually managed prisons to hold sentenced young offenders.
Asked by
Matthew Banks
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ann Widdecombe
(Conservative)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
20 March 1997
Answered on
20 March 1997
Mr. Matthew Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for contractually- managed prisons to
hold sentenced young offenders. [21620]
Miss Widdecombe: The Prison Service intends to hold sentenced young offenders in the new prisons which will be built and managed
through the private finance initiative at Bridgend and Fazakerley after these open during the coming financial year. This will give
the service greater flexibility in its use of the contractually-managed estate and help to meet its requirement for additional young
offender places. My right hon. and learned Friend will today lay a statutory instrument before the House which makes the necessary
consequential changes to the young offender institution rules.
Subjects
Contracts for services; Young offenders; Secure accommodation
Date
20 March 1997
Reference
21620; 292 c855W
House
House of Commons
Statement on what targets will be set for the Valuation Office Executive Agency for the year 1997-98. - Inc figs.
Statement on what targets will be set for the Valuation Office Executive Agency for the year 1997-98. - Inc figs.
Asked by
Matthew Banks
(Conservative)
Answered by
Angela Knight
(Conservative)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
20 March 1997
Answered on
20 March 1997
Mr. Matthew Banks: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what targets will be set for the Valuation Office executive agency for the
year 1997-98. [21566]
Mrs. Angela Knight: I have set the following key targets for the Valuation Office in 1997-98:
Quality of Service
to provide a substantive reply to 100 per cent. of correspondence within 20 working days of receipt
to achieve further improvements against the agency's indicators for:
timeliness--by 1 per cent. to 98 per cent.
valuation quality--by 1 per cent. to 86 per cent.
Operational
to clear 330,000 appeals in aggregate against the 1990 and the 1995 rating lists, including clearance by 31 December 1997 of all
those appeals lodged prior to 31 March 1996 which can be settled by agreement
to clear 97,000 appeals against the council tax valuation lists: with the aim, in co-operation with valuation tribunals, of clearing
all those received after 1 April 1997 within six months of receipt
to undertake 57,000 cases for the Inland Revenue for capital gains tax and inheritance tax purposes, clearing 90 per cent. of
valuation cases within 42 days and 87 per cent. of negotiation cases within six months of receipt
Financial and Cost Efficiency
to ensure the agency's net operating cost is at least fully covered by receipts
to break even from year to year within each business segment, after charging for the full cost of chargeable services including
notional interest of 6 per cent. on the average working capital
to achieve efficiency savings of 6.6 per cent. of the agency's gross expenditure
Further details are set out in the agency's forward plan, copies of which will be placed in the Library of the House on publication.
Subjects
Executive agencies; Standards; Valuation Office Agency; Companies House
Date
20 March 1997
Reference
21566; 292 c787-8W
House
House of Commons
If he has agreed the business plan for the Office for National Statistics for the period 1997-2000. - Yes. Copies of the plan, giving details of the performance targets set for 1997-98 - 1999/2000 in Library as Dep/3 4885.
If he has agreed the business plan for the Office for National Statistics for the period 1997-2000. - Yes. Copies of the plan, giving details of the performance targets set for 1997-98 - 1999/2000 in Library as Dep/3 4885.
Asked by
Matthew Banks
(Conservative)
Answered by
Angela Knight
(Conservative)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
19 March 1997
Answered on
19 March 1997
Mr. Matthew Banks: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has agreed the business plan for the Office for National Statistics
for the period 1997-2000. [21421]
Mrs. Angela Knight: Yes. Copies of the plan, giving details of the performance targets I have set for 1997-98, have been placed in
the Libraries of the House.
Subjects
Office for National Statistics
Date
19 March 1997
Reference
21421; 292 c622W
House
House of Commons
How many people suffer from clinical depression in the United Kingdom each year.
How many people suffer from clinical depression in the United Kingdom each year.
Asked by
Matthew Banks
(Conservative)
Answered by
Simon Burns
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of Health
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
18 March 1997
Answered on
18 March 1997
Mr. Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people suffer from clinical depression in the United Kingdom each year.
[20201]
Mr. Burns: The Office of Population Censuses and Surveys' survey of psychiatric morbidity carried out in Great Britain in 1993
revealed that 21 per thousand people aged between 16 to 64 years suffered from depression in the preceding week before the survey.
Subjects
Depressive illnesses; Mental illness
Date
18 March 1997
Reference
20201; 292 c588W
House
House of Commons
To what extent his Department currently supports research into clinical depression; and what future plans he has for such support.
To what extent his Department currently supports research into clinical depression; and what future plans he has for such support.
Asked by
Matthew Banks
(Conservative)
Answered by
Simon Burns
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of Health
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
18 March 1997
Answered on
18 March 1997
Mr. Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Health to what extent his Department currently supports research into clinical
depression; and what future plans he has for such support. [20202]
Mr. Burns: The Department's policy research programme has commissioned a number of studies into severe mental illness, many of which
are related to depression. The national health service research and development programme strategy established a national mental
health programme in 1992. The main agency through which the Government support medical and clinical research is the Medical Research
Council. The MRC is an independent body which receives its grant-in-aid from the Office of Science and Technology, which is part of
the Department of Trade and Industry. The MRC has a comprehensive portfolio of research on depressive illness, both at its own
establishments and in the form of grant support to universities. These programmes are ongoing.
Subjects
Depressive illnesses; Mental illness; Research; Medical Research Council
Date
18 March 1997
Reference
20202; 292 c588W
House
House of Commons
What plans his Department has to include targets for improving the diagnosis and treatment of clinical depression in a future review of the Health of the Nation programme.
What plans his Department has to include targets for improving the diagnosis and treatment of clinical depression in a future review of the Health of the Nation programme.
Asked by
Matthew Banks
(Conservative)
Answered by
Simon Burns
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of Health
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
18 March 1997
Answered on
18 March 1997
Mr. Matthew Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans his Department has to include targets for improving the
diagnosis and treatment of clinical depression in a future review of the "The Health of the Nation" programme. [20200]
Mr. Burns: We have no plans to introduce such targets.
Subjects
Depressive illnesses; Mental illness; Medical treatments; Standards
Date
18 March 1997
Reference
20200; 292 c588W
House
House of Commons
If he will extend the testing of road construction products in respect of the safety of cars to cover the safety of motorcyclists.
If he will extend the testing of road construction products in respect of the safety of cars to cover the safety of motorcyclists.
Asked by
Matthew Banks
(Conservative)
Answered by
John Watts
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
17 March 1997
Answered on
17 March 1997
Mr. Matthew Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will extend the testing of road construction products in
respect of the safety of cars to cover the safety of motorcyclists. [20087]
Mr. Watts: No. Many construction products are already tested for their suitability in terms of safety and other requirements in a
general way that covers all classes of vehicle.
In the case of construction products which aim to restrain or redirect errant vehicles, testing is not undertaken specifically in
respect of motor cycles as it has not been possible to devise a test that is both appropriate and repeatable because of the
instability of motor cycles under such conditions. The development of tests in the UK and Europe has concentrated, therefore, on the
performance of such products when impacted by cars and heavier vehicles.
Subjects
Construction; Cars; Motorcycles; Safety; Roads
Date
17 March 1997
Reference
20087; 292 c417-8W;292 c417W
House
House of Commons
What plans he has to update the Convergence Programme produced by the United Kingdom in April 1996. (UK convergence programme March 1997 update in Library as Dep/3 4809).
What plans he has to update the Convergence Programme produced by the United Kingdom in April 1996. (UK convergence programme March 1997 update in Library as Dep/3 4809).
Asked by
Matthew Banks
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Clarke of Nottingham
(Conservative)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
13 March 1997
Answered on
13 March 1997
Mr. Matthew Banks: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to update the convergence programme produced by the
United Kingdom in April 1996. [20479]
Mr. Clarke: An updated convergence programme was submitted today to the European Commission. Copies of the convergence programme
have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.
Subjects
Economic and monetary union
Date
13 March 1997
Reference
20479; 292 c317W;292 c318W
House
House of Commons
What is the estimated outturn general government expenditure on (a) education and (b) unemployment benefits for 1995-96. - Inc figs.
What is the estimated outturn general government expenditure on (a) education and (b) unemployment benefits for 1995-96. - Inc figs.
Asked by
Matthew Banks
(Conservative)
Answered by
Angela Knight
(Conservative)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
13 March 1997
Answered on
13 March 1997
Mr. Matthew Banks: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated outturn general Government expenditure on (a)
education and (b) unemployment benefits for 1995-96. [17438]
Mrs. Angela Knight: The estimated outturn for general Government expenditure in 1995-96 on (a) education is £35.9 billion and (b)
unemployment benefit is £1.1 billion.
These are the most recently published figures for these parts of general Government expenditure and have been taken from Public
Expenditure Statistical Analyses 1996-97, published in March 1996. Revised figures will be available in PESA 1997-98, which is due
to be published shortly.
Subjects
Education; Expenditure; Unemployment benefits
Date
13 March 1997
Reference
17438; 292 c319-20W;292 c320W
House
House of Commons
If he will set up a motorcycle strategy group. (Government policy on motorcycles and related matters in Library as Dep/3 4817).
If he will set up a motorcycle strategy group. (Government policy on motorcycles and related matters in Library as Dep/3 4817).
Asked by
Matthew Banks
(Conservative)
Answered by
John Bowis
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department of Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
12 March 1997
Answered on
12 March 1997
Mr. Matthew Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will set up a motorcycle strategy group. [19565]
Mr. Bowis: The Government intend to establish a motorcycling strategy group, which I shall chair, to produce a report on matters
affecting motorcyclists and other road users, including safety and environmental issues. This will build on the statement of policy
issued by the Government last November, copies of which are available in the Library. It will be set up in the summer and report
next spring.
Subjects
Environment protection; Motorcycles; Safety; Roads
Date
12 March 1997
Reference
19565; 292 c255W
House
House of Commons
Statement on the Government's borrowing programme for 1997-98. - Inc fact that the Government today published the "Debt Management Report" for 1997-98. Copies in the Library as Dep/3 4803.
Statement on the Government's borrowing programme for 1997-98. - Inc fact that the Government today published the "Debt Management Report" for 1997-98. Copies in the Library as Dep/3 4803.
Asked by
Matthew Banks
(Conservative)
Answered by
Angela Knight
(Conservative)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
12 March 1997
Answered on
12 March 1997
Mr. Matthew Banks: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the Government's borrowing programme for
1997-98. [20265]
Mrs. Angela Knight: The Government today published the "Debt Management Report" for 1997-98. This report, the third of the series,
includes details of the 1997-98 borrowing programme and the Government's remits to the Bank of England and to National Savings for
1997-98. Copies have been placed in the Library of the House.
Subjects
Borrowing; Public sector
Date
12 March 1997
Reference
292 c225-6W; 20265
House
House of Commons
What assessment he has made of the work of the Scottish Grand Committee over the last year. (Failed OPQ).
What assessment he has made of the work of the Scottish Grand Committee over the last year. (Failed OPQ).
Asked by
Matthew Banks
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Forsyth of Drumlean
(Conservative)
Answering body
Scottish Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
5 March 1997
Answered on
5 March 1997
Mr. Matthew Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the work of the Scottish Grand
Committee over the last year. [17334]
Mr. Forsyth: In the last year the Scottish Grand Committee has assumed a pivotal role in making government more accountable to the
Scottish people and strengthening the Union.
Subjects
Scottish Grand Committee
Date
5 March 1997
Reference
17334; 291 c643W
House
House of Commons
What changes are proposed to the quotas for lending to local authorities by the Public Works Loan Board. - There will be no change in formula for 1997-98. Copies of circular have been placed in Library.
What changes are proposed to the quotas for lending to local authorities by the Public Works Loan Board. - There will be no change in formula for 1997-98. Copies of circular have been placed in Library.
Asked by
Matthew Banks
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Clarke of Nottingham
(Conservative)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
5 March 1997
Answered on
5 March 1997
Mr. Matthew Banks: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes are proposed to the quotas for lending to local authorities
by the Public Works Loan Board. [19201]
Mr. Kenneth Clarke: The Public Works Loan Commissioners have issued a circular today notifying local authorities that there will be
no change in the formula for calculating quotas for 1997-98.
Copies of the circular have been placed in the Libraries of the House.
Subjects
Borrowing; Local government; Loans; Public Works Loan Board
Date
5 March 1997
Reference
19201; 291 c617W
House
House of Commons
What progress has been made by the Tax Law Rewrite Steering Committee established last December.
What progress has been made by the Tax Law Rewrite Steering Committee established last December.
Asked by
Matthew Banks
(Conservative)
Answered by
Michael Jack
(Conservative)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
27 February 1997
Answered on
27 February 1997
Mr. Matthew Banks: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made by the Tax Law Rewrite Steering Committee
established last December. [18076]
Mr. Jack: The steering committee had its first meeting yesterday. Copies of the minutes of this and future meetings will be placed
in the Libraries of both Houses as soon as they are available.
This bipartisan committee has a key role in the rewrite project which will deliver real benefits to all taxpayers.
Subjects
Law; Reform; Taxation; Tax Law Rewrite Steering Committee
Date
27 February 1997
Reference
18076; 291 c308W
House
House of Commons
What steps his Department has taken to increase the number of closed circuit television schemes. (Failed OPQ). - Includes figure.
What steps his Department has taken to increase the number of closed circuit television schemes. (Failed OPQ). - Includes figure.
Asked by
Matthew Banks
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Blencathra
(Conservative)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
20 February 1997
Answered on
20 February 1997
Mr. Matthew Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department has taken to increase the number
of closed circuit television schemes. [15302]
Mr. Maclean: We will be investing more than £50 million in closed circuit television through our CCTV challenge competitions; 365
winning local partnerships have already been awarded more than £22 million in the first two competitions. We will be announcing the
results of the third competition, with another £15 million, very soon.
Subjects
CCTV; Crime prevention
Date
20 February 1997
Reference
15302; 290 c736W;290 c737W
House
House of Commons
Statement on the recent council meeting of the Economic and Finance Ministers of the European Union.
Statement on the recent council meeting of the Economic and Finance Ministers of the European Union.
Asked by
Matthew Banks
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Clarke of Nottingham
(Conservative)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
20 February 1997
Answered on
20 February 1997
Mr. Matthew Banks: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the recent council meeting of the Economic
and Finance Ministers of the European Union.
Mr. Kenneth Clarke: I represented the UK at the Economic and Finance Council of the European Union in Brussels on 17 February.
The Council carried out an examination of the Belgian new convergence programme for the period 1997 to 2000 and welcomed the
programme's strategy for fiscal consolidation as credible, adequate to the particular public finance conditions of Belgium and well
adapted to the institutional structure of the state.
The Council agreed in principle to provide exceptional financial assistance to Armenia, Georgia and Tajikistan. A final decision
will be taken at a later meeting following a formal Commission proposal for this assistance. This is subject to a UK parliamentary
scrutiny reserve.
The Council also discussed the possibility of providing macrofinancial assistance to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. This
will be discussed again at a later meeting. It is subject to a UK parliamentary scrutiny reserve.
The Council then discussed the economic situation in the European Union. All member states were cautiously optimistic about the
prospects for 1997 but agreed on the need for structural reform, including labour market flexibility, to tackle unemployment.
Subjects
Armenia; EU action; EU budget; EU aid; Georgia; EC Finance Council; Tajikistan
Date
20 February 1997
Reference
17101; 290 c697W
House
House of Commons