HL Deb 19 June 2002 vol 636 cc90-2WA
Lord Jopling

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the maximum length of time to answer a Question for Written Answer in the House of Commons that would be acceptable to the Government within current guidelines; and how many questions for Written Answer remained unanswered in that House (on 1 May) after 21 days. [HL4152]

The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Williams of Mostyn)

Ministers have an obligation to ensure that Members in the House of Commons receive a substantive response to their named day question on the named day, and to endeavour, where possible, to answer an ordinary Written Question within a working week of it being tabled.

Information on the number of Questions for Written Answer in that House that remain unanswered after 21 days is not held centrally.