§ Mr. Rookerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer 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 reference in the Official Report.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonIt is not possible to provide a definitive and exhaustive list of questions which my right hon. Friend might exceptionally decline to answer on grounds other than cost. Each question will continue to be answered on its merits, but by way of example questions would not be answered on the tax affairs, etc. of individual persons and companies; details of firms subject to discretionary 103W action in support of pay policy who have not consented to publication, or questions on the immediate prospects in the domestic and external financial markets which would prejudice the operations of the authorities in those markets.