Question

To ask The Leader of the House, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Twycross on 16 December (HL12733), what plans she has to ensure Ministers fulfil the requirement set out in paragraph 266 of the Guide to Parliamentary Work, published on 19 November 2024, to answer questions on behalf of arm’s-length bodies, including non-departmental public bodies.

The Guide to Parliamentary Work is a useful tool for departments to use when interacting with Parliamentary processes. When answering Questions for Written Answer the guide states that “the formal time-limit for answering questions is 10 working days.” and that “it is a recognised right of Parliament that Members receive full and timely responses.” As stated in the guidance there is an advisory cost limit known as the disproportionate cost threshold which is the level above which departments can decide not to answer a written question. The current threshold is £850.

I have reminded Ministers and my office has contacted all Parliamentary Teams about this guidance and the requirements in relation to arm's-length bodies including non-departmental public bodies mentioned in paragraph 266.