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UK Parliament

Private notice question

Selected letter P

A private notice question (PNQ) gives a member of the House of Lords the opportunity to ask an urgent and important question to the government on any sitting day.

A member of the Lords can apply to the Lord Speaker for a PNQ. If the Lord Speaker accepts the request, a government minister or spokesperson must come to the House of Lords Chamber and give an immediate answer without prior notice. During hybrid proceedings, the answer must be provided the following sitting day.

Questions that are selected must be:

  • related to a very recent or imminent event or development
  • important in terms of public policy
  • have more than a local or temporary significance.

PNQs are asked immediately after oral questions on Monday to Thursday, or at an agreed time if on a Friday.