I can't speak to that

[KLPNO]

Hello everyone
I'd like to ask about the meaning of the phase 'I can't speak to that.'
The context is as follows:

To Goodier Takeda said: "Sergeant, may I take it as read that now that I am no longer presence in that structure, it is GDI's intention to raze it to the ground, along with as many of Kane's lunatics as they can take?
"I can't speak to that, sir," Goodier said flatly. Then he yelled out, Private Brodeur!
Brodeur flagged in his jogging so that the three of them caught up with him. "Yes, sir?"
"Your helmet, Private."
"Er, yes, sir." Brodeur undid his helmet and handed it to Goodier.
"Thank you, Private. Stay with us." Brodeur, who now looked as confused as Vega felt, nodded, and kept pace with the three of them.
Goodier put the helmet on Takeda's head. "You'll want to be wearing this, sir."

[riverkid]

Hello everyone
I'd like to ask about the meaning of the phase 'I can't speak to that.'
The context is as follows:

To Goodier Takeda said: "Sergeant, may I take it as read that now that I am no longer presence in that structure, it is GDI's intention to raze it to the ground, along with as many of Kane's lunatics as they can take?
"I can't speak to that, sir," Goodier said flatly. Then he yelled out, Private Brodeur!
Brodeur flagged in his jogging so that the three of them caught up with him. "Yes, sir?"
"Your helmet, Private."
"Er, yes, sir." Brodeur undid his helmet and handed it to Goodier.
"Thank you, Private. Stay with us." Brodeur, who now looked as confused as Vega felt, nodded, and kept pace with the three of them.
Goodier put the helmet on Takeda's head. "You'll want to be wearing this, sir."

= "I can't comment on that".

[KLPNO]

= "I can't comment on that".

Thank you very much, riverkid.

[fiona bramble]

= "I can't comment on that".

Yes, RK Just to add, I believe the expression is used with the extra meaning of:
I can't speak to that because I am not permitted to do so
or
I can't speak to that because I don't have enough information or knowledge about the situation

Fiona

[riverkid]

Great additions, Fiona.

Thanks muchly!

[fiona bramble]

Great additions, Fiona.

Thanks muchly!