asked the Secretary of State for Energy 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.

It is my normal practice to attempt a definitive answer to all Questions tabled, save where confidential, commercial or security information arises, or exceptionally, on the grounds that assembling the information requested could be unduly costly. Where matters of management arise which do not involve policy questions I would normally refer the Member to the board concerned.