Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many holding answers have been given to parliamentary questions for priority written answers to his Department(a) since May 1979, (b) since June 1983 and (c) since June 1987.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonInformation on holding replies given(a) since May 1979 could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. The number of holding replies to priority written questions (b) since June 1983, and (c) since June 1987 are respectively 109 and 50. The frequency with which holding replies are given depends to a large extent on the length of notice given when a question is asked.