ANSWERING OF PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS (no.2)

Early day motion 260, tabled 10 December 2003 by Lord Mann (Labour). Signed by 35 members.

That this House notes that parliamentary questions tabled on issues related to quangos are often passed to a representative of these organisations for answer on behalf of the Minister; further notes that the answer comes in the form of a letter addressed to the honourable Member which is placed in the Library; recognises that this information is not available to members of the public; is concerned that these responses are neither independent nor open to scrutiny; and calls upon the Government urgently to review this procedure.

Signatures by party: Labour 16, Liberal Democrat 10, Labour/Co-operative 3, Conservative 2, Scottish National Party 2, DUP 1, Plaid Cymru 1.