§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Lord President of the Council what is the current disproportionate cost threshold for answering a parliamentary question; who determines the level; why it was introduced; and if there are any proposals to change it in line with inflation.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweThe disproportionate cost threshold currently stands at £250. The figure is calculated by the Treasury and is set at a level to identify and draw to ministerial attention those questions which are likely to be particularly expensive to answer. This does not alter the discretion of individual Ministers to decide that a particular question should be answered, partially or in full, regardless of cost.
507WThe threshold figure is kept under regular review and a further increase will be proposed when thought necessary.