Most days that the House sits, the first major item of business is questions for oral answer, often referred to as “question time”. It is the fastest-moving part of the House’s proceedings, with short contributions from a large number of members of Parliament (MPs).
Why is question time important?
Question time is key to Parliament’s role of holding the Government to account. MPs have an opportunity to ask Ministers about matters within their ministerial responsibility.
History of question time
Asking questions of Ministers used to be a laborious and slow process. The time for questions has increased and become more formalised over the years to reflect their importance. Question time became a daily event in 1962 and has become central to the public’s image of Parliament. Since 1996, approximately 60 minutes each sitting day have been allocated for 12 questions. The Speaker keeps order to ensure the smooth progress of question time.
What are the rules?
Questions are allocated proportionally to each party based on the number of MPs, though parties may exchange slots through mutual agreement. Any MP can ask a question. Questions may in restricted circumstances be asked of MPs other than Ministers. Standing Orders 375 to 385 govern questions for oral and written answer .
Questions are lodged with the Clerk of the House on the day they are to be asked, between 10 a.m. and 10.30 a.m., so Ministers have a few hours to prepare a reply. However, each question can be followed up by supplementary questions, which are not notified to Ministers.
How can I see question time?
Questions lodged for oral answer can be accessed on this website at about 11.30 a.m. Question time usually starts around 2 p.m. and is broadcast on Parliament TV, as are all parliamentary debates. The Hansard record of question time is published on this website as it becomes available, usually by 5.30 p.m. If you are in Wellington, you can come and watch question time live from the public gallery. You can also access the video archive of Parliament TV via inthehouse.co.nz