§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science 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.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsMy practice is to answer parliamentary Questions about all subjects within my ministerial responsibility except where an answer would infringe the proper exercise by other persons or bodies of responsibility vested in them; touch upon matters which are at the time sub judice or subject to arbitration; involve a breach of confidence or security; involve a disproportionate cost to secure the information requested.
I am not aware that this represents any change in the practice of my predecessors.