HL Deb 19 December 2002 vol 642 cc143-4WA
The Earl of Northesk

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether Questions for Written Answers that refer the questioner to a website for the relevant information are an appropriate and effective way of disseminating the information being sought to both the questioner and the wider public. [HL437]

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston

The position remains as set out in the Answer to the noble Lord of 12 May 2000 (WA 242).

Ministers are required under the terms of the Ministerial Code to be as open as possible with Parliament. Wherever possible, Parliamentary Questions will receive substantive answers. However, there are circumstances in which it can be both appropriate and helpful to refer to content on webpages which elaborates on or gives further background which is relevant to the Question tabled.