Departmental Questions - Project Open Gov

Commons oral questions addressed to ministers from a specific government department.

Category: Government departments Parliamentary procedure

Also used as: departmental questions, Departmental Questions, questions to departments, departmental oral questions

Source / explainer: Read UK Parliament information on Question Time

Last reviewed: 23 August 2026

Departmental questions are oral questions addressed to ministers from a specific government department. Departments answer according to a rota, and questions must relate to that department’s responsibilities. These sessions are a regular way for MPs to scrutinise ministers in public.

Related terms

Department for Business and TradeThe UK Government department responsible for business, trade, investment and economic growth policy.MinisterA member of the government with responsibility for a policy area or department.Oral QuestionA question asked aloud in the chamber, with a minister answering in person.Question TimeThe period in a sitting when ministers answer oral questions from MPs or peers.Secretary of StateA senior government minister, usually responsible for a government department.