Mr. Alan WilliamsTo ask the Lord President of the Council what estimate has been made of the cost of the most expensive parliamentary answers; and what guidelines are used by Government Departments in assessing whether it is too expensive to reply to a parliamentary question.
§ Mr. MacGregorRecords of the actual cost of the most expensive parliamentary answers are not kept centrally. It is, however, estimated that some 1 to 2 per cent. of all parliamentary questions are likely to exceed the disproportionate cost threshold (currently £250). Any questions thought likely to fall into in this category are drawn to the attention of the relevant Ministers for decision before any significant expenditure is incurred. It is for the Minister to decide whether to decline to answer on the grounds of disproportionate cost or whether it is in the public interest for a full or partial reply to be given.