HL Deb 17 October 2002 vol 639 cc72-4WA
Lord Jopling

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 25 July (WA 125), what steps are being taken to draw the attention of those ministers concerned to the failure of their departments to answer the 13 Written Questions tabled before the Summer Recess seven days after the resumed sitting on Monday 14 October, contrary to the Lord Privy Seal's assurance that he would make every effort to ensure that the Answers would appear in the Official Report for Monday 7 October. [HL5977]

The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Williams of Mostyn)

I have today reviewed the outstanding questions with ministerial colleagues. I also reviewed progress at meetings of the Government Front Bench on 25 July and 10 October. On 18 September the Front Bench discussed the steps being taken by departments with the Cabinet Secretary, Sir Andrew Turnbull.

My office has monitored progress in the answering of these Questions. They have been in constant touch with contacts in departmental parliamentary branches, have sent regular reports to departments, and have met with their contacts to discuss procedures and progress.

I regret that not all of the 264 Written Questions tabled before the Summer Recess appeared in the Official Report on Monday 7 October, and that six of the Questions to which the noble Lord refers remain outstanding as of today. I continue to look at further ways of improving this performance.

Lord Jopling

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will explain, in each case, what were the difficulties which prevented the 13 Quest ions for Written Answer which were tabled before the Summer Recess from being answered before 14 October when between 11 and 17 weeks had passed, contrary to the obligation on departments to answer within two weeks. [HL5978]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

I regret that not all of the Questions for Written Answer tabled before the Recess have been answered.

I am currently looking into why 13 Questions remained unanswered on 14 October and I shall write to the noble Lord with the details. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.