One year ago Lincoln answered the question of who it wants as its MP with the Conservative Karl McCartney. Since then he has been asking his own questions to government departments.
MPs can put forward written or oral questions to ministers. These questions glean data or information from departments. They also cost money. Written questions cost on average £145. Oral questions cost an average of £425.
McCartney has asked 52 written questions that were answered in his first year — average for MPs — at a cost of around £7,540.
The Lincolnite analysed his first year of written questions, sourcing data from They Work For You, and found he asked most questions to the Transport minister — a total of 22.
The Lincolnite also looked at how many questions specifically mentioned Lincoln. Out of the 52, 11 mentioned Lincoln.
However, it should be noted that though a question may not mention Lincoln explicitly, it could still be about an issue that directly affects the city.
Seven of McCartney’s questions to the Transport Minister were on the subject of rail travel concessions for Network Rail employees and their families.
Three of these asked the same question. On December 20, January 10, and March 4 McCartney asked the Transport minister for information on how many current and former Network Rail employees receive concessionary or free rail travel.
Theresa Villiers, Minister for Rail and Aviation, replied each time advising McCartney that her department does not hold the information.
McCartney also asked the Treasury on February 15 about the qualifications and experience of Financial Services Authority (FSA) staff.
Mark Hoban, the Treasury’s Financial Secretary, replied saying the FSA is independent and “determines the appropriate qualification levels for its staff”.
— Karl McCartney was unable to comment by the time of publishing
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Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
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Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!