HC Deb 25 January 1972 vol 829 cc386-7W
46. Mr. David Watkins

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the latest estimated cost of answering a Parliamentary Question; and what is the estimated cost of answering all the Questions addressed to him on the occasions when Questions were arranged by Ministers to be tabled to his Department.

Mr. Peter Walker

The answer to the first part of the Question is £14 and £10 for an oral and a written answer, respectively, as at May, 1971; from those figures the hon. Member can calculate an estimated total cost for Questions referred to.

Mr. Carter

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many civil servants in his Department are engaged on parliamentary questions.

Mr. Peter Walker

Officials of my Department contribute as necessary to the preparatory work to enable Ministers to reply to Parliamentary Questions.