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answer text |
<p>The position has not changed since I answered the Noble Lord’s question HL6043
on 17 February. That answer is included below for your ease of reference and I have
nothing further to add to this.</p><p><em>As Leader of the House, I regularly stress
to departments the importance of giving full and timely answers to Questions for Written
Answer. The content of each answer is a matter for the Minister concerned, and each
Minister is responsible to the House for the answers they provide. That direct accountability
is important: that is why Ministers in this House must provide personally signed answers
to members.</em></p><p><em>The Ministerial Code says that “It is of paramount importance
that Ministers give accurate and truthful information to Parliament”. It also makes
clear that “Ministers should be as open as possible with Parliament and the public,
refusing to provide information only when disclosure would not be in the public interest”.
In addition, there is a longstanding rule of this House that all answers should be
complete and comprehensible. I shall continue to make this guidance clear to all Ministers.</em></p>
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