BURNLEY MP Peter Pike, who is quitting the House of Commons at the next general election, wants his colleagues remaining at Westminster to work all the year round.
The Labour back bencher believes it is wrong that ministers do not answer written Parliamentary Questions when MPs are on holiday.
He asked Deputy Leader of the Commons Phil Woolas: "Do you accept that the government operates for 52 weeks a year and that it is therefore right that MPs should be able to ask questions for 52 weeks a year?
"Answers in Hansard have much more merit than letters to Ministers.
"I urge you to reconsider the matter.
"Under a democratic, open government, which we profess to be -- and are -- we should be able to ask questions for 52 weeks a year."
Mr Woolas replied: "The government works 52 weeks a year. Nevertheless officials are entitled to a break.
"You know that I hold you in the highest regard and I stress to you that we operate on the principle that, when we are in recess, the normal functions of the House of Commons do not take place.
"MPs can take other measures, including writing letters to ministers, as, indeed, they do."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article