20 Accepted

Concentration of statements and urgent questions limits time for other House business

Conclusion
Sitting time is finite and there will always be a tension between the various demands of the House. Statements and urgent questions play an important role in the effective scrutiny of government, but in concentration they can significantly affect the amount of time available for the other business before the House. (Conclusion, Paragraph 61)
Government Response Summary
The government notes the conclusion, explaining its current practice of balancing oral statements with other parliamentary business and avoiding them on Opposition days where possible, while acknowledging that Urgent Questions are a matter for the Speaker.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government Accepted
The Government notes this recommendation. When arranging oral statements the Government tries to ensure this is balanced with the main business of the day, other upcoming relevant parliamentary business and the interests of the House. By convention, oral statements are avoided where possible on Opposition days. However, there are occasions where statements are unavoidable and it is important that the Government makes such announcements to the House. The granting of Urgent Questions is a matter for the Speaker. 16. It is important to ensure there is as much certainty as possible of sitting times for Members as they seek to balance the different aspects of their role. The Government would not wish to unintentionally undermine this certainty by overusing ad hoc business motions that provide for business to run later into the day. Where there have been unavoidable oral statements on Opposition days, the Government has always looked to protect time for the business.