HC Deb 20 October 2003 vol 411 c379W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the average time taken to answer written parliamentary questions has been in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [119160]

Mr. Caplin

Defence Ministers aim to answer Named Day written questions on the day specified and Ordinary written questions within five working days. The average time taken to answer written parliamentary questions could be calculated only at disproportionate cost.

Mrs. Curtis-Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many questions directed to him remain unanswered. [130756]

Mr. Caplin

In the current session, up to and including 15 September, some 4,575 parliamentary questions were tabled to the Secretary of State for Defence. As of 14 October, 88 (1.9 per cent.) of these questions remained unanswered.