Question

To ask the Leader of the House what explanation she has received from the Ministry of Justice about the failure to answer Lord Falconer of Thoroton's Question for Written Answer tabled on 21 July, before Wednesday 9 September, 25 working days after an answer was due.

My office makes regular contact with all Government departments that are unable to meet the 10 working day target within which to answer Questions for Written Answer. Every effort is made to address delays and to remind departments of their responsibilities to Parliament.

I have recently taken the opportunity to discuss the need for timely answers with all members of the Government front bench in this House, and written to the five departments with the greatest proportion of late responses in the 2014/15 session to make clear the House’s expectations and to stress the importance of timely responses. My office will continue to work with all departments to ensure prompt and satisfactory answers to Questions for Written Answer.

The delay in the particular case to which the noble Lord refers related to delays in gathering the required data. The question tabled by Lord Falconer of Thoroton on 21 July has now been answered.