Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Deferred
Written ministerial statements significantly enhance transparency and government openness to Parliament
Conclusion
The introduction of written ministerial statements in 2002 has proved to be a considerable success in increasing transparency and making government more open to Parliament and the public. It is for the Government to make a judgement about the correct form for a statement, oral or written, having regard to the general principle in the Ministerial Code and the wider expectations of the House, and in the knowledge that the House has a range of tools at its disposal to hold ministers to account. (Conclusion, Paragraph 71)
Government response summary AI-generated
The government welcomes the recognition of written ministerial statements but notes procedural challenges. They will seek views from the House and the Procedure Committee on whether current notice requirements remain optimal for timely information release.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
Deferred
The Government accepts this recommendation. The Government is committed to updating the House and written ministerial statements remain an appropriate mechanism for doing so. As set out in the Guide to Parliamentary Work, Departments bidding for an oral statement are encouraged to also table a written ministerial statement for the same day, ensuring departments fulfil their obligations to Parliament.
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