§ 48. Mr. David HeathTo ask the President of the Council what guidance is given to Ministers on transferring questions tabled to them which lie(a) wholly and (b) partly within their area of responsibility. [141614]
§ Mrs. BeckettNo central guidance is issued as such, beyond that in 'Erskine May', questions fall to the Minister who is primarily responsible. Departmental parliamentary branches are expected to take account of the list of ministerial responsibilities issued by the Cabinet Office and rulings from the Chair, such as that given by the Chairman of Ways and Means on 18 July.