§ Annabelle EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what percentage of parliamentary questions replied to by her Department were the subject of a holding answer in the last three Sessions of Parliament. [22013]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 10 December 2001]: In the 1998–99 Parliamentary Session, the Department gave holding replies to 63 per cent. of the 512 named day questions received. In the 1999–2000 Session, holding replies were given to 69 per cent. of the 839 named day questions received and in the 2000–01 Session, 52 per cent. of the 289 named day questions tabled to the Department received holding replies.