§ Mr. NellistTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what would be the cost of providing the information on budgeting loans and community care grants sought by the hon. Member for Coventry. South-East,Official Report, 25 May, column 683; what was the the cost of providing similar information in his 283W answers of 24 May, Official Report, columns 547–52; on what criteria he decided in each case as to whether the cost was disproportionate; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe cost of providing the information on budgeting loans and community care grants sought by the hon. Member was approximately £285. Similarly the cost of providing equivalent information in the replies on 24 May was £180 and £112 respectively. There is a long-standing convention that Ministers may decline to answer a question when the cost of preparing the reply is likely to be in excess of £250.