HL Deb 12 May 1999 vol 600 cc1196-7

2.46 p.m.

Lord Chesham asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider that it is in the interest of open government to place full Answers to Written Questions in the Library of the House. where they are not readily accessible to the public, rather than to publish them in the Official Report.

The Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Lord Falconer of Thoroton)

My Lords, it is usual practice for departments to consult the office of the Official Report for guidance on handling when Answers to Questions from noble Lords are of significant length. In such cases, the decision to place the Answer in the Library of the House, rather than publish it in Hansard, is made for reasons of cost-effectiveness and practicality. The full text of the Answer is, of course, available to noble Lords and other inquirers on request.

Lord Chesham

My Lords, this is an increasing practice. Is it not extraordinary that the Government adopt it at a time when they are promising, again and again, a freedom of information Bill, a manifesto promise which has not yet been delivered?

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

My Lords, we place Answers in the Library rather than publish them in the Official Report only after we have taken the advice of the Editor of the Official Report. It is not a decision for the Government, but for the authorities of this House. It is wrong to criticise the Government rather than others.

Lord Monkswell

My Lords, does my noble and learned friend agree that those of us who ask Questions—here I declare an interest as one who asks a number of Written Questions—have a certain responsibility in judging such Questions so as not to produce such voluminous responses as are required to be placed in the Library?

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

My Lords, I am sure that noble Lords are always responsible in the Questions they ask. When they ask a Question, they know that it is one which deserves an Answer.

Lord Henley

My Lords, can the Minister confirm that some Answers he has given have referred noble Lords to sites on the world wide web and that for some noble Lords who do not have access to computers that can make for difficulty? Will he guarantee that in future all Answers he gives to noble Lords are available through Hansard whether the Editor wishes it or not?

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

My Lords, I am sure that I have only ever referred to a site on the world wide web when it was appropriate and necessary to do so.

Lord Bruce of Donington

My Lords, in the course of his Answer, my noble and learned friend mentioned the question of cost. Would it not be wiser to look at the form in which government papers are published? At the moment they comprise a glossy cover—sometimes a double cover—and may also be illustrated in colour. Would it not be better to have a rather more impersonal and cheaper presentation of government documents?

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

My Lords, it is good that attempts are made to make White Papers more interesting to the public. More effort should be made to encourage people to read government documents so that they see what the Government are doing. Therefore I do not agree with my noble friend.

The Countess of Mar

My Lords, continuing the theme of cost, is the Minister aware that in relation to numerous Written Questions I have asked of the Minister of Agriculture, I have had to repeat those Questions because I have not been given a proper Answer? Will the noble and learned Lord contact his colleagues in that office and ask how much it costs to answer my Questions perhaps two or three times before I receive a proper Answer?

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

My Lords, whenever the subject of Written Questions is raised, everyone stands up and complains about specific Questions. I am not in a position to respond to the inquiry about the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Obviously it is better that Questions are answered first time round. If they are not, it will cost more money. However, rather than putting such a question to me, the noble Countess would be better off contacting the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Lord Chesham

My Lords, will the Minister answer the noble Countess, Lady Mar, and put a copy of his answer in the Library?

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

My Lords, with respect I have answered the question.

Earl Ferrers

My Lords, I was concerned by the noble and learned Lord's original Answer when he said that it was up to Hansard to decide whether a Written Question was published in the Official Report or whether it should go into the Library of the House and that it was not the Government's responsibility. Will the Minister consider the point again? It is surely the Government's responsibility to decide how information is given to the public.

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

My Lords, the Government provide the answer. We take advice, and we comply with the advice.