The cross-Whitehall performance standard is 85% for timely provision of written answers, where responses are deemed ‘on time’ for Ordinary Questions if they are provided within five working days of being tabled, and deemed ‘on time’ for Named Day questions if answers are provided by the specified date.

Since 2010, the Procedure Committee has been routinely engaged in the monitoring of Government responses to WPQs. The Committee is currently analysing departments’ performance in responding to WPQs during the 2023–24 Session, and will produce its report in due course.

The Leader of the House of Commons wrote to the Chair on 8 October 2024 asking the Committee to review the operation of the temporary arrangements, and to report on their operation before the end of the Session.  

In her response of 7 November, the Chair indicated that the Committee would also be willing to consider as part of its review any further additions or changes to these temporary arrangements proposed by the Government. 

On 25 November, the House of Commons agreed to further extend proxy voting arrangements to include complications relating to pregnancy, and extended absence for fertility treatment, as set out in the Leader’s letter to the Chair on 19 November 2024. These arrangements will also be considered as part of this review.