Consider the following statements regarding starred and unstarred questions:

Question

Consider the following statements regarding starred and unstarred questions:

i. The response to starred questions is provided orally.

ii. The response to starred questions is given in written form.

iii. The response to unstarred questions is provided orally.

iv. The response to unstarred questions is given in written form.

v. Supplementary questions can be asked for starred questions.

Choose the correct answer:

1. A. i, iv, and v only (Correct answer)
2. B. ii, iii, and v only
3. C. i and iii only
4. D. ii, iv, and v only

Correct Answer

Option A — i, iv, and v only

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is i, iv, and v only.

Key Points

• Starred questions are distinguished by an asterisk, and are answered orally on the floor of the House. Because the answer is oral, supplementary questions may be asked — so statements i and v are correct, and statement ii is wrong.
• Unstarred questions are answered in writing, and the reply is laid on the table of the House. No supplementary question can follow, since there is no oral exchange — so statement iv is correct and statement iii is wrong.
• The correct combination is therefore i, iv and v.

Additional Information

• Four types of question are put to ministers:
  • Starred — oral answer, supplementaries allowed. Normally 20 per day are listed for oral answer.
  • Unstarred — written answer, no supplementaries. Normally 230 per day.
  • Short Notice Question — on a matter of urgent public importance, asked with less than ten days' notice, answered orally.
  • Question to a Private Member — addressed to a member rather than a minister, when the subject concerns a bill or matter for which that member is responsible.
• Question Hour is normally the first hour of every sitting, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, and is regulated by the Rules of Procedure. It is the sharpest instrument of legislative oversight available to an individual member.
• Zero Hour follows immediately after Question Hour, from 12 noon, and is an Indian innovation with no mention in the Rules of Procedure. Members raise matters without prior notice; it began in the 1960s.
• The usual notice period for a question is 15 days, and a member may ask a limited number per sitting.
• Questions can be disallowed by the Speaker or Chairman if they are argumentative, defamatory, hypothetical, ask for an opinion, relate to a matter *sub judice*, or concern the internal affairs of a foreign state.