HC Deb 17 May 1977 vol 932 cc79-80W
Q5. Mr. Rost

asked the Prime Minister on which subjects he is now prepared to answer oral Questions which have previously been transferred to Ministers having direct responsibilities.

The Prime Minister

It is not possible to arrive at any satisfactory definition which would provide an invariable guide as to which Questions I will transfer and which I will retain. That is why my proposal to the Sessional Committee on Procedure gave only examples of the kind of Questions I will retain during the experimental period to the end of the Session.

Mr. Ridley

asked the Prime Minister if he will set out the precise conditions upon which Questions put down to him will not be transferred.

The Prime Minister

I refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made to the House on 12th May and the subsequent exchanges.