Ans: (b)

7. Devices of Parliamentary Proceedings

7.1. Question Hour

Question Hour is the first hour of a parliamentary sitting devoted to questions that Members of Parliament raise about any aspect

of administration and government activity. It is mentioned in the Rules of Procedure of the House. The concerned Minister is obliged to answer to the Parliament, either orally or in writing, depending on

the type of question raised. Questions are one of the ways Parliament can hold the executive accountable. The questions are of three kinds:

a. A Starred Question (distinguished by an asterisk) requires an oral answer and hence supplementary questions can follow. Only 20 questions can be listed for oral answer on a day.

b. An Unstarred Question requires a written answer and hence, supplementary questions cannot follow. Only 230 questions can be listed for written answer on a day.

c. A short notice question is one which relates to a matter of urgent public importance and is asked by giving a notice of less than 10 days. It is answered orally.