Parliamentary Scrutiny

Question 1

Written Questions

Answer 1

MP can write to any government minister

Answers are guaranteed

Usually used to gain detailed information

7 days to respond to the question

Question 2

Oral questions

Answer 2

Each parliamentary day starts with MINISTERIAL QUESTIONS

2 ministers questioned a day

MP’s put questions forward in advance but they can ask a supplementary question

Opposition MP’s typically try catch Ministers out through questions

Question 3

PMQ’s

Answer 3

Once a week (Wednesday) for 30 mins

Gives opposition a chance to embarrass the government but gives government chance to highlight successes

Make or break leaders EG CONSERVATIVE IAIN DUNCAN SMITH NIT EFFECTIVE AT DESPATCH BOX AGAINST TONY BLAIR

Question 4

Key strengths of PMQ’s

Answer 4

One of main ways in holding the government to account

Gives opportunity for opposition to present their policies and raise profile of their leader

Helps generate political interest

Televised and important way in which voters can judge party leaders

Question 5

Parliamentary committees

Answer 5

Select committees- responsible for scrutinising government policy and departments

Public bill committees- deal with detailed legislation