Dr. ThomasTo ask the Prime Minister if she will make it her policy that on occasions when it is only possible to answer parliamenatry questions at disproportionate cost with full replies, a reply is provided containing such information as is compatible with an acceptable cost; and if she will make it the policy of Her Majesty's Government that all Government Departments adopt a similar policy on the provision of information.
§ The Prime MinisterI refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Newham, North-West (Mr. Banks) on 29 October 1987, at column 358, and to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council to the hon. Member for Workington (Mr. Campbell-Savours) on 3 February, at column 618.
The decision on whether to give a partial reply to questions involving disproportionate cost is also a matter for the judgment of individual departmental Ministers. I shall continue to deal with such questions in the light of the particular circumstances of each case.