parliamentary questions

• what is a parliamentary question?

  a question put formally to a government minister about a matter they are responsible for
• when and how are PQs asked?

  orally or in writing during ministerial question time in either chamber
• when are PMQs?

  every wednesday at noon
• arguments for PMQs being effective

  • allows the gov to be held accountable
  • allow backbench MPs to pose questions related to their constituency
  • televised to increase transparency of parliament
• arguments against PMQs being effective

  • patsy questions waste time
  • PM will often dodge questions
  • a lot of ’Punch and Judy‘ politics -> spiteful comments with no real substance