Ministries have answered many previously submitted written questions whose response deadlines have expired. Therefore, the scheduled session on Thursday, March 6, for Members of Parliament to ask oral questions is canceled.
Chairman Martin Bosma calls it a success: 47 questions were awaiting answers, now only six remain. This is how it can be done! he said during the plenary session on Tuesday, March 4. The Chairman intends to schedule another session before the summer recess. As he puts it: Otherwise, they will never learn.
Answering Overdue Questions
At the initiative of the Chair of the House, ministers who have missed deadlines were invited to answer overdue parliamentary questions. Bosma had reserved time on the plenary agenda on Thursday, March 6, from 10:15 AM. This is no longer necessary. During the plenary session on February 18, the Chair announced this session. “I note that we have many unanswered written questions,” said Bosma. “Therefore, after the spring recess, I will schedule a special moment in the agenda for an oral question time, where I cordially invite the ministers who now refuse to answer all those questions promptly.”
Overview
When a minister cannot answer a written question within three weeks, the minister informs the Chair. The minister also explains why the deadline was not met. The House of Representatives registry publishes a public overview of questions whose response deadlines have passed.
Right to Question
To scrutinize the work of the cabinet, the House of Representatives has the right to ask questions to the cabinet. This can be done orally during a debate or, for example, during the weekly question hour. MPs can also submit written questions. When they submit written questions to the cabinet, the minister must answer them within three weeks. After a deferral notice, the minister has six weeks to answer the question.