Urgent question on NAO report on Universal Credit
5 September 2013
Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liam Byrne, asked an Urgent Question on the findings of the National Audit Office report on Universal Credit, on Thursday 5 September 2013, in the House of Commons.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith, responded on behalf of the government.
- Watch Parliament TV: Urgent question on Universal Credit
- Read Commons Hansard: Urgent question on Universal Credit
- Read current Parliamentary material in Topics: Benefits policy
- Read the report on Universal Credit by the National Audit Office (external website)
Urgent questions
At times MPs may want to put an urgent question to a Minister. If a matter of public importance has arisen, which an MP believes requires an immediate answer from a government minister, they may apply to the Speaker to put forward such a question.
The relevant government department would be informed at once. If the Speaker agrees, the question will be asked after that day’s Question Time.
Once the MP has asked the main question, they are allowed to ask a supplementary question. Other MPs will then be called to ask further questions on the same subject.
Watching proceedings from the public gallery
UK residents and overseas visitors can watch proceedings in the House of Commons by visiting the public gallery.
This article was produced by the Commons Digital Outreach Team. Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.