IMHO there are three categories of questions: the gotcha group that are asked simply to try and highlight a perceived failing, those others that are seeking a legitimate answer and the ones planted by the government to give themselves a pat on the back. Unfortunately the questions in the second group appear to be outnumbered by the first group. Regardless, the only time we get an intelligent response is when the government is responding to questions from their own members. This is true regardless of the party in charge. There are several suggestions for improvement in this string. Parliament should take a lesson from both Wales and from Quebec. In addition, the party whips should meet and create a proper standard for questions and then enforce it within their respective parties. It is simple enough to do as I believe that very few questions are asked on an ad hoc basis but are previewed by the party first. And, with the exception of issues of national security a dignified response should be mandatory.

