§ Mr. Raceasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 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 in respect of his Department including the Overseas Development Administration since 9 November 1979.
§ Mr. PymIt is not possible to provide a definitive and exhaustive list of questions that I might exceptionally decline to answer. Each question put down to me will continue to be considered on its merits and given as helpful and positive an answer as possible. By way of example, however, the following topics would fall into the category mentioned by the hon. Member.
- (a) confidential exchanges between Governments.
- (b) details of individual arms sales to overseas countries.
There have been no changes in the practice of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, including the Overseas Development Administration, in this regard since 9 November 1979.