HL Deb 11 May 2004 vol 661 cc17-8WA
Lord Jopling

asked the Leader of the House:

Whether she will engage more staff in her office and meet with them twice weekly, to press departments on a daily basis to ensure that Questions for Written Answer are answered within the standard two weeks, in view of the 51 such Questions on the Order Paper on 4 May which had been awaiting replies between 11 March and 6 April. [HL2700]

Baroness Amos

The actual performance of individual departments is a matter for them; however. I take my oversight responsibilities as Leader of the House very seriously and my office continues to press departments to answer Questions for Written Answer within the two-week deadline. This is something I review weekly with my ministerial colleagues.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the reason for the delay in answering HL2217, tabled on 26 March, about the published views of Mr Matt Cavanagh, special adviser to the Home Secretary.[HL2736]

The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)

We apologise for the delay in answering HL2217. Unfortunately, due to unavoidable time demands we were unable to answer this Question within the allotted time period. An Answer has now been dispatched and should reach the noble Lord shortly.