§ Mr. Raceasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department 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 9 November 1979.
§ Mr. WhitelawThere has been no change in practice since 9 November 1979. It would not be possible for me to give a definitive and exhaustive list of the topics on which I might judge it right not to give information in reply to a particular question; the prevention and detection of crime, the security of the State, and privacy and commercial confidence are among the relevant considerations.