Pretoria - At least 96.05% of the 3998 parliamentary questions asked to Cabinet Ministers in 2012 have so far been answered within the stipulated time frame.
In the previous years, Government responded to an estimated 95.5% of 3879 and 94.2% of 4344 questions asked in 2010 and 2011 respectively.
The above statistics show Government's accountability and commitment to transparency to the people of South Africa.
Acting Cabinet Spokesperson, Phumla Williams, said: "Government stands firm in carrying out its parliamentary duties, and will always answer parliamentary questions".
She added that although in some instances responses were delayed, as Ministers need to source information from different divisions within their departments "the Executive aims to answer all questions and give well-considered responses at all times to ensure that accountability to Parliament and the public stays on top of its agenda".
Although the figures of outstanding replies still need to be reconciled, Government is confident that the current percentage will improve even further.
Government is encouraged by the improved in responses to the Parliamentary questions.
