Hansard

Parliamentary Questions

Volume 949: debated on Tuesday 2 May 1978

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Mr. Rooker

asked the Attorney-General if he will list those topics on which it is not his practice to answer parliamentary Questions; and if he will list any changes in practice since 1972, indicating in each case the date on which the change was made and the relevant reference in the Official Report.

The Attorney-General

It is not possible to provide a definite and exhaustive list of Question which I might exceptionally decline to answer on grounds other than cost. Each Question will continue to be answered on its merits, but examples which would fall into this category would be Questions about:

  • (1) the propriety of decisions given in individual cases by courts of law, administrative tribunals and similar bodies, such as legal aid committees;
  • (2) advice given to and by the Lord Chancellor about judicial and other appointments;
  • (3) confidential exchanges between the Lord Chancellor and the judiciary;
  • (4) details of investigations by or on behalf of Departments, for which I am responsible, in connection with prosecutions or civil actions and confidential information relating to such proceedings or possible proceedings: and
  • (5) legal advice given to or by the Law Officers and their Department.