MPs pick topics to quiz minister

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Schools Secretary Ed Balls has set a constitutional first by answering "topical" questions during his weekly House of Commons session.

In a pilot scheme, the last 15 minutes of hour-long departmental question times are being given to MPs' queries, without notice of what they will ask.

Mr Balls said ministers would do their best to respond to concerns.

The first topical question, by New Forest West Tory MP Desmond Swayne, was about the future of schools funding.

'Innovation'

Mr Balls said: "Could I congratulate the honourable member for securing the first topical question in the new question time slot...

"As the first department to deal with this new innovation, we will do our best and see how it goes."

Mr Balls then went on to deal with inquiries about city academies and schools in MPs' own constituencies.

Topical questions are intended to be similar to prime minister's questions, where no notice is given of what is to be asked.

They are part of a series of reforms outlined last month by Commons leader Harriet Harman, which also includes plans to allow MPs to check e-mails while in the chamber.