Speaker’s Rulings — Written Questions—Replies

I’ve received a series of complaints from members about replies for written questions relating to diary matters and briefings. In most cases, they were right to raise these issues with me, because the replies did not meet the required standards of accountability to the House. I’m aware that there was a proposal for the proactive release of ministerial papers and diaries. That will reduce the need for written questions, and Ministers may be able to direct Ministers to the source of the information they’re seeking. In any case, and certainly in the interim, Ministers are obliged to give informative replies to all the questions they are asked where it’s consistent with the public interest to do so. Speakers’ rulings 176/5 and 177/5 apply. I have been given too many examples where they have not.

💬 Hon Amy Adams: Most transparent ever.

And I might say to the Hon Amy Adams, support from her in these circumstances does not do the cause of her colleagues who raise these matters any good.