political accountability

Question 1

what are parliamentary questions?

Answer 1

PMQs take place every wednesday at midday for half an hour in the house of commons
MPs can ask PM about any issue relating to government policy
broadcast on BBC Tv and radio
leader of opposition is allowed to ask 6 questions

Question 2

in order to be valid what must a parliamentary question do?

Answer 2

either seek information or press for action
have a factual basis
relate to the matter for which the minister addressed is responsible

Question 3

what can’t you do in PMQs?

Answer 3

can't use anyone's name
speak to anyone other than the speaker of the house
call anyone a liar o a hypocrite
wear a suit of armour or carry a sword
speak in welsh
call someone dodge
use unparliamentary language

Question 4

how effective are PMQs?

Answer 4

can become theatrical
rarely enlightening
ministers can weasel out of questions

Question 5

what are parliamentary debates?

Answer 5

both houses of parliament hold debates in which MPs discuss government policy, propose new laws and other topical issues
MPs can scrutinise and voice concerns
are generally broadcast live
thought to be more productive than PMQs

Question 6

what are select committees?

Answer 6

each major government department has its own select committee made of 12-15 MPs reflecting the composition of the house of commons
they conduct inquisitorial work into the working of their relevant departments

Question 7

what do select committees do?

Answer 7

question government ministers called before them about their dealings and decisions
weigh up evidence from witnesses, expert opinions and then produce a report setting out recommendations for the government, which the government must respond to

Question 8

what is the effectiveness of select committees?

Answer 8

can only make recommendations based on findings and do not have any power to impose punishment
anyone can refuse to attend a select committee hearing - does look bad however