18
Accepted
Improve Defra's communication with Parliament, ensuring policy statements are subject to proper scrutiny.
Recommendation
Defra must improve its communications with Parliament and ensure that statements regarding policy are made in the House and subject to voluntary and proper scrutiny. Defra should affirm its commitment to doing so in its response to this report. (Recommendation, Paragraph 63) 35
Government Response Summary
The government accepted the recommendation, affirming its commitment to parliamentary scrutiny and stating that work is underway across the Department to improve parliamentary capability, especially concerning written Parliamentary Questions.
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government agrees that Parliamentary scrutiny is vital to effective policy development and good Government. The Government always strives to keep Parliament updated, and Ministers act in accordance with the Ministerial Code, as circumstances permit. Work is being undertaken across the Department to improve Parliamentary Capability following the Secretary of State’s appearance before the Procedure Committee on 4 June regarding written Parliamentary Question performance.
Source
Inquiry
The future of farming
Report
1st Report - The Government’s vision for farming
16 May 2025
HC 906
Timeline
Recommendation age
1.0 yr
Report published
16 May 2025