Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Stephenson Excerpts

Thursday 8th May 2014 Commons Chamber

The Leader of the House was asked—

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

3. What steps he is taking to support the House in rationalising the processing of written questions and answers and in improving the service to hon. Members.

[The Leader of the House of Commons (Mr Andrew Lansley)]

The Government are supporting the project being undertaken by the House to enable the electronic exchange of parliamentary questions and answers between Members and answering bodies. All Departments are fully engaged in the roll-out of this exciting project, and my office has successfully transferred to the live system.

[Andrew Stephenson]

Will the Leader of the House tell us what effect the project will have on savings for the House and on the convenience of Members?

[Mr Lansley]

I expect the new system to save significant sums in this Parliament and across Departments, including by reducing the costs of publishing questions and answers. The new system will also improve reporting and transparency for Members and the public, through providing dedicated webpages for written answers.