Hansard

Parliamentary Questions

Volume 949: debated on Tuesday 2 May 1978

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Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 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.

Dr. Owen

It is my policy that positive answers should be given, as far as possible, to all Questions put down to me, but it is not possible to provide a definitive and exhaustive list of Questions which I might exceptionally decline to answer on grounds other than cost. I can assure my hon. Friend that each Question will continue to be considered on its merits, but, by way of example, the following topics would fall into this category:

  • (a) details of individual arms sales—see my hon. Friend's written reply of 25th April to my hon. Friend the Member for Harlow (Mr. Newens).—[Vol. 948, c. 521–2.]
  • (b) confidential exchanges between Governments—see my hon. Friend's written reply of 27th April to my hon. Friend the Member for Derby, North (Mr. Whitehead),—[Vol. 948, c. 679.]