HL Deb 07 April 2003 vol 647 cc3-4WA
Lord Jopling

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will send expert advisers into the Northern Ireland Office to help with replies to Questions for Written Answer, since 11 out of 16 outstanding questions which have been down on the Order Paper for more than three weeks are to that department. [HL2408]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

I am pleased to inform the noble Lord that all of the outstanding Questions referred to have now been answered.

I can assure the noble Lord that the Northern Ireland Office, as with all other government departments, recognises the importance of ensuring that all Parliamentary Questions are answered accurately and promptly.

The recent rise in Questions tabled to the Northern Ireland Office and the suspension of devolved government in Northern Ireland has added a considerable burden of work. However, I do not believe it is necessary to send expert advisers into the department to help with replies to Questions for Written Answer.