§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for the last 12 months how many parliamentary questions he has referred to one of his Department's agencies for answer; and what percentage of parliamentary questions to his Department this represents.
§ Mr. HowardRecords show that between 1 April 1993 and 21 March 1994, 492 parliamentary questions tabled to my Department were referred to the chief executive of an agency. This figure represents approximately 12 per cent. of the total number of parliamentary questions to the Home Office.
§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions in the last five years he has knowingly provided incomplete information in answers to parliamentary questions other than on grounds of disproportionate cost; and on what subjects.
§ Mr. HowardI answer parliamentary questions on the basis set out in paragraph 27 of "Questions of Procedure for Ministers". In replying to oral questions I seek to comply with Madam Speaker's guidance on the need for brief answers.