Deck 9: Ministerial Responsibility

Question 1

The doctrine of collective Cabinet responsibility is enshrined in law.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

Explain the impact the Freedom of Information Act of 2000 has had on the achievement of a more open Government.

Answer 2

No Answer

Question 3

Giving reasons, outline whether or not you believe a minister should be called upon to resign due to scandals relating to his or her private life.

Answer 3

No Answer

Question 4

Explain how the Critchel Down affair 1954 demonstrates the doctrine of ministerial accountability.

Question 5

In which circumstances can the rules on collective responsibility be relaxed?

Question 6

Explain the difference between collective and individual ministerial responsibility.

Question 7

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 which of the following categories of information are exempt from the duty of disclosure?

A) Information relating to the security services
B) Information which might prejudice the country's economic interests
C) Information which is accessible by other means
D) Information relating to Local Government

Question 8

Which of the following were Inquiries set up in relation to the Iraq War of 2003?

A) The Nolan Inquiry
B) The Kelly Inquiry
C) The Hutton Inquiry
D) The Butler Inquiry

Question 9

The Public Service Committee in 1997 stated that 'public interest' is defined in accordance with:

A) The Government's Code of Practice
B) Relevant Statutes
C) Accepted Conventions
D) Key judicial decisions

Question 10

Which of the following resigned from the Cabinet in 2003 in relation to the Government's stance on Iraq?

A) Robin Cook
B) David Blunkett
C) Alistair Darling
D) Clare Short

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT stated in the Ministerial Code 2007?

A) Ministers must give accurate and truthful information to Parliament
B) Ministers must be as open as possible with Parliament and the public
C) Ministers should always act with decorum
D) Ministers should ensure there is no conflict between their public duties and private interests

Question 12

How many working days does the Government have to respond to a freedom of information request?

A) 20
B) 24
C) 28
D) 31

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a category of paper excepted from the rules of confidentiality of Cabinet papers?

A) Papers relating to financial matters
B) Papers deemed to be in the public domain
C) Papers relating to matters already known to foreign governments
D) Papers containing the written opinions of Law Officers

Question 14

Under the Ministerial Code, ministers should consult the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments about any business appointments they intend to take up within two years of leaving office.

Question 15

The current coalition Government is able to access the Cabinet papers of the previous Labour Government.

Question 16

Requests made under the Freedom of Information Act must be in writing.

Question 17

A minister will always resign when significant failings are found in his or her Department.

Question 18

A minister who was not present when a decision is made is not bound by collective responsibility in relation to this decision.

Question 19

To what extent do you believe that the current regulatory regime upholds acceptable standards in public life?