§ Lord Joplingasked the Leader of the House:
Whether he has noted that on 11 June there were 82 Questions for Written Answer which had lain on the Order Paper for over three weeks without an Answer, while two weeks remains the target period within which Answers should be provided; how many Questions there were awaiting Answer on 11 June which had lain between two and three weeks; and whether he will recommend the establishment of a Select Committee to inquire into these failures, with a power to call for Ministers, officials and others as well as papers. [HL3332]
§ Lord Williams of MostynAs at 11 June there were 104 unanswered Questions for Written Answer over the 14-day deadline. The majority of these Questions have now been answered.
All Government departments recognise the importance of ensuring that all Parliamentary Questions are answered accurately and promptly. However, in order to provide a full and accurate reply, it is sometimes necessary to await the outcome of consultation and discussions.
The establishment of a Select Committee is of course a matter for the Liaison Committee and the House. I have no plans to recommend such a committee.