Straw attacks MPs' researchers

Jack Straw has attacked Commons researchers for overloading government departments with too many parliamentary questions.

Speaking on Thursday, the Commons leader also criticised websites which provide data on the work done in parliament by MPs.

Government departments are compelled to answer written questions submitted in the name of MPs or peers.

But there have been concerns about delays in answers, particularly at the Home Office which is struggling to cope with a large backlog.

Asked about the delays, Straw said there "has to be understandings by ministers about the need to answer questions".

"I also just say, and I'm glad this has been recognised on all sides of the House, there has to be recognition by members of the House that if the order paper is absolutely overloaded with questions in industrial quantities, by researchers, in some cases never been seen by the members, then there are bound to be logjams," he added.

"There is a real problem, I'm glad to see there is assent for this.

"I am assiduous, and so are all my colleagues, in ensuring wherever possible questions are answered.

"But we have a problem in the House, which is called researchers trying to prove a point and the result of these websites called TheyWorkForYou which simply seem to measure MPs' work by quantitative rather than qualitative measures.

"It is a matter for the whole of the House, not just for ministers."

However, the TheyWorkForYou.com website, which publishes data on the performance and work of MPs in parliament, includes a statement that its users should look beyond simple numbers when assessing their representatives.

It acknowledges that "data such as the number of debates spoken in means little in terms of an MP's actual performance".

"Our advice - when you're judging your MP, read some of their speeches, check out their website, even go to a local meeting and ask them a question," it adds.