To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will increase the present threshold for answering (a) written and (b) oral parliamentary questions from right hon. and hon. Members, in line with the current inflation figure; when the threshold was last increased; and if he will make a statement.

The disproportionate cost threshold has stood at £250 since 1988 when it was increased from £200. The figure, which applies to both written and oral questions, is reviewed annually in the light of cost increases and a further increase will be implemented when this is seen to be necessary.