§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Prime Minister what guidance has been issued to Ministers regarding the practice of replying to parliamentary questions in terms such as, "I will write to the hon. Member"; and in what circumstances this practice is considered appropriate.
§ The Prime MinisterA reply in which a Minister says that he will write to the hon. Member may be given for a number of reasons. It may be used as an interim reply because it is not possible to provide a substantive answer within the time scale laid down, to provide information of specialist or local interest which is detailed or lengthy or where there is a need for discretion in making the full reply available because it concerns a confidential constituent's case.
601WFollowing a recommendation from the Procedure Committee, first report, Session 1992–93, guidance has been issued that such replies should also state, except where confidentiality is necessary, that copies of the Minister's reply will be placed in the Library.