Written questions explained

MPs and members of the Lords can put written questions to government ministers. They are often used to ask for detailed information about policy or the work of a government department.

House of Commons questions

• Ordinary questions do not have a set answer date. The usual expectation is an answer within seven days, but there is no parliamentary rule requiring an answer by then.
• Named day questions ask for an answer on a date chosen by the MP. At least two days' notice is required, and an MP may table no more than five named day questions on one day.

House of Lords questions

A member of the Lords may table up to six written questions each day. UK Parliament says a reply can be expected within 14 days.

These are published parliamentary records. The expected response times are not a guarantee that a particular question will be answered by that date.

For current details, see Written questions and answers and the MPs' Guide to Procedure: questions overview.

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