Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 20
20
Accepted
Concentration of statements and urgent questions limits time for other House business
Conclusion
Sitting time is finite and there will always be a tension between the various demands of the House. Statements and urgent questions play an important role in the effective scrutiny of government, but in concentration they can significantly affect the amount of time available for the other business before the House. (Conclusion, Paragraph 61)
Government response summary AI-generated
The government notes the conclusion, explaining its current practice of balancing oral statements with other parliamentary business and avoiding them on Opposition days where possible, while acknowledging that Urgent Questions are a matter for the Speaker.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted
The Government notes this recommendation. When arranging oral statements the Government tries to ensure this is balanced with the main business of the day, other upcoming relevant parliamentary business and the interests of the House. By convention, oral statements are avoided where possible on Opposition days. However, there are occasions where statements are unavoidable and it is important that the Government makes such announcements to the House. The granting of Urgent Questions is a matter for the Speaker.
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