Ministers without Portfolio Responsibilities 2023-11-23
2023-11-23
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP seeks clarity on the roles and responsibilities given to ministers appointed as Ministers without Portfolio.
What are the responsibilities of the Ministers without Portfolio?
Ministers without Portfolio contribute to policy and decision-making processes within a Government. The chair of the governing party is often made a Minister without Portfolio, serving as a member of the Cabinet. My role involves providing scrutiny and oversight across all Departments to ensure best value for the public.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP references media reports suggesting the appointment of a Minister for common sense indicates lack of competence in the Government.
If a Prime Minister needs to install a Minister for common sense, is that an admission that they do not really have any?
I am committed to delivering common-sense decisions, including delaying bans on petrol and diesel cars and oil and gas boilers, scrapping High Speed 2 from Birmingham to Manchester, reducing the overseas budget—policies that those on the Opposition Benches have voted against.
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Assessment & feedback
The question was about whether installing a Minister for common sense indicates a lack of competence. The answer provided specific examples but did not directly address this issue.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns about statements made by the Home Secretary regarding Stockton North and criticism of the Foreign Secretary's accountability.
If her Front Bench is full of common sense, which will she tackle first: a Home Secretary who thinks that Stockton North is a proverbial toilet; a Foreign Secretary who, during a critical time in geopolitics, is not even accountable to this House; or a Transport Secretary whose Network North plan thinks that Manchester is in Preston?
I did not hear the Home Secretary say the comments mentioned. He has denied making them. I am building on this Government's success with major tax cuts, unlike Opposition policies for more borrowing and spending.
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Assessment & feedback
The question asked about addressing criticisms of other ministers, but the answer focused on government successes instead.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights issues with the vaccine damage payment scheme, noting the maximum payment has not been increased since 2007 and a disability threshold causing injustice.
Will it include the possibility of re-examining the vaccine damage payment scheme, which has been described at the public inquiry as not fit for purpose?
I am grateful for this suggestion; I will take it away and come back with further information regarding the vaccine damage payment scheme.
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Assessment & feedback
Will Look Into
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP suggests the appointment of a Minister for common sense is due to the Prime Minister's struggles with technology and private transport, questioning government ideas.
Given she is in the market for some common-sense ideas, I suggest that the Government adopt policies such as taxing income earned here by non-doms, abolishing tax breaks for private schools. Is it just the case that this Government are totally out of common sense and ideas?
It is not value for money to close down private schools, which parents want their children to attend. Of course, should private schools be closed, funding would need to be found from public sector sources—again, not value for money.
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Assessment & feedback
The question asked about proposed tax reforms and the common sense of government ideas. The answer focused on defending private schools instead.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy