HC Deb 09 November 1979 vol 973 cc374-5W
Miss Richardson

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the average subsidy on a meal eaten in the Members' Dining Room and on a meal eaten in the Members' Cafeteria.

Mr. Charles Irving

I have been asked to reply.

The information is as follows:

I would normally decline to answer questions relating to the pay or allowances of individual Members or former Members, and about the pay and conditions of individual members of the staff of the House. This accords with the practice of my predecessors.

Mr. Rooker

asked the Paymaster General 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 the practice of his Department since 3 May.

Mr. Maude

It is not possible to provide a precise list of subjects within my responsibilities on which I might, exceptionally, decline to answer questions on grounds other than cost. Each question tabled to me will continue to be considered on its merits. I am not aware that this represents any change in the practice of my predecessors.

Mr. Rooker

asked the Attorney-General 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 the practice of his Department since 3 May.

The Attorney-General

It is not possible to provide a definitive and exhaustive list of questions which I might exceptionally decline to answer on grounds other than cost. Each question will continue to be answered on its merits, but examples which would fall into this category would be questions about:

  1. (1) the propriety of decisions given in individual cases by courts of law, administrative tribunals and similar bodies, such as legal aid committees;
  2. (2) advice given to and by the Lord Chancellor about judicial and other appointments;
  3. (3) confidential exchanges between the Lord Chancellor and the judiciary;
  4. (4) details of investigations by or on behalf of Departments, for which I am responsible, in connection with prosecutions or civil actions and confidential information relating to such proceedings or possible proceedings; and
  5. (5) legal advice given to or by the Law Officers and their Department.

There have been no changes since 3 May 1979.

Mr. Rooker

asked the Lord Advocate, 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 the practice of his Department since 3 May.

The Solicitor-General for Scotland

There is no topic within the ministerial responsibility of my noble Friend the Lord Advocate on which, as a matter of practice, he is not prepared to answer parliamentary questions on grounds other than cost. However, there are certain limitations on the information which he would be prepared to give in answering questions—for example, with respect to legal advice which he has given to a Government Department, or information in relation to a case considered for prosecution. There has been no change in practice since 3 May.