§ Lord Joplingasked the Leader of the House:
What action she will take in view of the 151 Questions for Written Answer tabled between 23 November and 20 December 2004 which had not been answered by 11 January when the target time for answers is two weeks; and whether she will propose that a further Minister be appointed in the House of Lords with the responsibility of ensuring that Questions are answered within the target period. [HL722]
§ The Lord President of the Council (Baroness Amos)The number of outstanding Questions has fallen to 69.
A delay in responses from departments is expected at this time of year as a result of the Christmas Recess and holiday period. A number of the Questions tabled also require very detailed responses which can lead to delays.
I continue on a weekly basis to review outstanding questions with my ministerial colleagues. My officials track the progress made with departments daily.
Ministerial appointments remain a matter for the Prime Minister.