§ Mr. Rookerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list those topics on which it is not his practice to answer parliamentary Questions; and if he will list any changes in practice since 1972, indicating in each case the date on which the change was made and the relevant references in the Official Report.
§ Mr. John SilkinIt is not possible to provide a definitive and exhaustive list of Questions which I might decline to answer. It is my practice to consider each Question on its merits, including cost of preparing the reply.
However, the topics listed in Appendix 9 to the Report from the Select Committee on Parliamentary Questions—Session 1971–72 reflect the broad approach which my predecessors and I have followed over recent years. I do not, of course, answer Questions which, since 1972, have become the responsibility of other Ministers.