§ Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister by what criteria he judges whether the cost of a parliamentary question is disproportionate; and what guidance he gives to Departments. [52400]
§ Mr. LeslieDecisions on whether to refuse to provide information on the grounds of disproportionate cost in response to parliamentary questions are taken in accordance with the requirements of the guidance issued by HM Treasury on "Costing Parliamentary Questions" 253W and "Guidance to Officials on Drafting Answers to Parliamentary Questions" issued by the Cabinet Office. Copies of both documents have been placed in the Library of the House. The final decision on how to answer the parliamentary question rests with the individual Minister concerned who may decide that a full answer should be provided irrespective of cost.