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Oral evidenceSelect & Joint CommitteesWednesday, 20 May 202614:30

Procedure Committee: Written Parliamentary Questions

Committee hears from witnesses

The Procedure Committee will take oral evidence on how Written Parliamentary Questions—a core mechanism for holding government to account—function in practice. MPs use written questions to request information and explanations from ministers, and the committee is examining whether the system works effectively, promptly, and fairly. This inquiry will explore rules, timescales, ministerial compliance, and whether reform is needed.

Written questions are a fundamental parliamentary tool for scrutiny. How well the system operates directly affects the ability of all MPs to access government information and represent constituents' concerns. Poor performance—late answers, evasion, inadequate responses—undermines Parliament's accountability function and weakens democratic oversight.

MP & Parliament
Committee mentioned:Procedure Committee

Committee members

Bambos CharalambousLabour Party

Southgate and Wood Green

Cat SmithLabour Party

Lancaster and Wyre

Sir Christopher ChopeConservative and Unionist Party

Christchurch

Sir Gavin WilliamsonConservative and Unionist Party

Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge

Gill FurnissLabour Party

Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough

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