§ Mr. Bob Cryer (Bradford, South)On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. One of the ways of calling Ministers to account is by raising on the Floor of the House the difficulties that one encounters.
I have recently tabled a series of questions to the Department of Employment. Often the question produces the rubric, "I will answer this question as soon as possible." I give plenty of time—generally a week—for a priority answer to a written question. The Department is evading responsibility for immediate answer to the House when information is sought for a particular purpose and by a particular date. I raise this matter in the knowledge that successive Speakers have deprecated any unnecessary, planned or deliberate delay, and I wish to re-emphasise the importance of that.
§ Madam Deputy Speaker (Miss Betty Boothroyd)I join former Speakers and Deputy Speakers in deprecating such action, and I shall make a point of looking into the matter.