APPENDIX 7
Letter from the Rt Hon Eric Forth MP to
the Clerk of the Committee
Thank you for the notification of an inquiry
into the system for PQs.
I am broadly satisfied with current procedures,
and see little need for change. I would oppose any loosening to
permit tabling by e-mail, or anyone other than Members. This would
risk inviting an avalanche of gratuitous, frivolous questions
generated by an army of researchers.
There may be some scope for reducing the deadline
required to permit more topicality.
It is possible that the rules regarding content
are too restrictive, and simply work to protect the government
of the day.
25 October 2001
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