Written Questions are questions posed to the government by a Member of the House of Lords. They are designed to elicit further information and confirmation around government policy.
Unlike Oral Questions which are answered in the Chamber, Written Questions receive a written response. That response is made public and part of the Chamber’s official records, Hansard.
Written Questions can be tabled by any Peer but no more than six should be tabled by one peer on one day. They are normally answered within two weeks. A holding answer may be given.
Written ministerial statements made in the Commons often appear on the same day as the answer to a planted written question in the Lords.
