Written questions (WPQs) allow MPs to ask for information on the work, policy and activities of Government departments, related bodies, and the administration of Parliament.
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.