HC Deb 19 November 2001 vol 375 cc79-80W
David Winnick

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what is the total cost to public funds of answering the questions tabled on 12 November by the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow) for answer on the 14 November. [15696]

Mr. Leslie

The hon. Member for Buckingham tabled 118 parliamentary questions on 12 November.

As at April 2000, the latest date for which data are available, the average cost of answering a written parliamentary question was £123. The total cost of answering the questions tabled by the hon. Member for Buckingham on 12 November is therefore approximately £14,500, although given that the cost is based on an average it is a very conservative figure.