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<p>As Leader of the House, I shall take my responsibility to ensure all Ministers
provide full, timely and accurate responses to Questions for Written Answers (QWAs)
very seriously.</p><p>On 7 September 2022 there were four overdue QWAs directed to
the Home Office (HO), and one directed to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development
Office (FCDO). As of 28 September 2022, the number of outstanding QWAs from June and
July had reduced: the Home Office had two late answers and the FCDO had none.</p><p>My
office contacted the FCDO who explained that a technical error prevented their response
from being uploaded to the website by the deadline. They have confirmed that a response
was issued on 20 July 2022 and a copy was sent via email to the Peer.</p><p>Similarly,
the HO has confirmed their two outstanding QWAs were cleared on 11 July but due to
a separate technical error, were not uploaded to the website. This issue is being
investigated by the HO to prevent it reoccurring. The tabling Peer has been contacted.</p><p>As
Leader, I will undertake to remind colleagues of the importance of answering QWAs
within the 10 day target, as well as their obligation to the House and Parliament’s
important role in scrutinising the Government. My office will continue to work closely
with all Departments across Government, and, upon the House’s return, I will write
to colleagues to ensure all Ministers in the House of Lords are aware of their duties
and what is expected of them in fulfilling their duty to be accountable to your Lordships’
House.</p><p> </p>
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