asked the Prime Minister what instructions are given to Ministers about publishing letters sent by them to hon. Members, without first seeking the assent of the hon. Member concerned.

I have been asked to reply.

Is not prior consultation advisable in cases where a Minister makes an allegation out of the blue that an hon. Member has made an untrue statement in the House? While I have not objected in my own case, consultation would have given the Minister of Transport a chance to check the facts, and thus the accusation which he has been unable to substantiate.

If the hon. Gentleman has a quarrel with the Minister of Transport, I suggest that he puts a Question to him.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on Wednesday when I have an Adjournment debate on the subject in question.