Curious MP Andrew Mackinlay asks well above the average number of questions in Parliament - but John Baron asks far less.

The information on our MPs showed that despite being part of the Government, Thurrock's MP asked almost twice as many questions of the country's leaders than Billericay's Conservative.

Mr Mackinlay said: "I have always seen questions as a very important tool in the box of a backbencher.

"Knowing how to use them to your advantage is a parliamentary skill.

"I have no desire to become a minister so I have been able to practice this skill."

Billericay's John Baron argued: "I try to concentrate on important issues. With questions it is not just quantity that counts, it's the lines of inquiry you are actually pursuing.

"One's effectiveness should be judged on results."

On average MPs ask 103 written parliamentary questions, ten oral questions, and make 23 debate contributions in the chamber and Westminster Hall.

Mr Mackinlay asked 149 written questions, 27 oral questions and made 36 contributions.

John Baron asked 60 written questions, 18 oral questions and made 22 contributions.

Published Monday, April 7 , 2003

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