HL Deb 30 October 2003 vol 654 c53WA
Lord Jopling asked the Leader of the House

Whether she will have discussions with the Lord Chancellor about the fact that the Question for Written Answer asked by Lord Avebury on 14 July still awaits an answer after 12 weeks, longer than any other outstanding question, and 10 weeks longer than the convention of two weeks; and also whether his department's delay sets a suitable example to other departments, who together on 8 October have 66 outstanding questions. [HL4719]

The Lord President of the Council (Baroness Amos)

I understand that Lord Avebury's Question has now been answered. The delay in answering this Question is totally unacceptable. As you know, the time taken to reply to Parliamentary Questions is an issue that concerns me and my ministerial colleagues.

I have recently reminded colleagues of the importance of prompt and accurate answers and will continue to do so on a weekly basis.