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Written question asked by Lord Laird (Non-affiliated) on Wednesday, 3 February 2016, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 February 2016. It was answered by Baroness Stowell of Beeston (Conservative) on Wednesday, 17 February 2016 on behalf of the Leader of the House of Lords.

Northern Ireland Office: Written Questions

Question

To ask the Leader of the House when was the most recent time that she gave guidance to the Northern Ireland Office on the importance of answering parliamentary written questions in full, providing all the information requested.

Answer

As Leader of the House, I regularly stress to departments the importance of giving full and timely answers to Questions for Written Answer. The content of each answer is a matter for the Minister concerned, and each Minister is responsible to the House for the answers they provide. That direct accountability is important: that is why Ministers in this House must provide personally signed answers to members.

The Ministerial Code says that “It is of paramount importance that Ministers give accurate and truthful information to Parliament”. It also makes clear that “Ministers should be as open as possible with Parliament and the public, refusing to provide information only when disclosure would not be in the public interest”. In addition, there is a longstanding rule of this House that all answers should be complete and comprehensible. I shall continue to make this guidance clear to all Ministers.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL5896
Session
2015-16
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Written questions Northern Ireland Office
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk