§ Lord Pattenasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 17 July (WA 148), by what process the decision not to provide the information requested was taken; whether they will place in the Library of the House copies of the discussions and estimates which led to that decision; and by what amount they estimated that the cost of providing the information would have exceeded the usual maximum cost allowed. [HL4260]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThe decision not to provide the information requested was taken by me, following discussion between officials in the Cabinet Office. It was clear that the costs threshold of £600 would be greatly exceeded, given the considerable time that would be required to sift all Acts for activities banned. It would be contrary to convention if I were to place in the Library the advice I received on this matter.
§ Lord Pattenasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they would indicate the activities that have been banned by Acts of Parliament passed since 1997. [HL4261]
§ Lord Williams of MostynA range of activities has been banned by Acts of Parliament passed since 1997. This information is in the public domain. To collate it would require an official to read through all the Acts of Parliament since 1997 to search for activities banned. The cost of this would well exceed the threshold of £600.