§ The Earl of KIMBERLEYasked the Leader of the House:
Whether the Written Answer given to him by the Lord Trefgarne on 19th December 1979 (H.L. Deb. col. 1785) was in accordance with the recommendations of the First Report from the Select Committee on Procedure of the House, Session 1978–79 (H.L. 33). on Questions on Nationalised Industries.
Earl FERRERSThe recommendations of the First Report from the Select Committee on Procedure of the House. Session 1978–79 (H.L. 33), concerned the tabling and not the answering of Questions on nationalised industries.
Thus, there is no conflict between the recommendations of the Procedure Committee and the Answer given to the noble Earl by Lord Trefgarne on 19th December 1979 (H.L. Deb. col. 1785). The First Report from the Select Committee on Procedure of the House, Session 1977–78 (H.L. 126), states that the Committee were advised that "successive Governments have refused, on grounds of public policy, to answer" Questions on nationalised industries.
House adjourned at twenty two minutes before six o'clock.