United Bermuda Party MP John Barritt yesterday found out the new parliamentary question time he helped set up doesn't necessarily mean he's going to get all the answers.

Mr. Barritt put Telecommunications Minister Michael Scott on the spot in the House of Assembly by asking him whether Government believes cell phone use while driving is becoming common place.

But Mr. Scott — who had just delivered a Ministerial Statement on the increased use of cell phones in Bermuda — deferred the Shadow Minister to Premier and Transport Minister Ewart Brown.

And Dr. Brown, chuckling at Mr. Barritt's frustration, pointed out he didn't have to answer either, because he had not read a Ministerial Statement that morning.

Shadow Minister for Good Governance and Legislative Reform Mr. Barritt said to Mr. Scott: "I wanted to know whether your Ministry has developed any position on driving while using cell phones."

As Mr. Scott remained silent, Mr. Barritt told the House: "The Minister declines."

Question time was created earlier this month as part of a series of moves aimed at making MPs more accountable, described by Speaker Stanley Lowe as a quantum leap for Bermuda's parliament.

It came after Mr. Barritt and former Premier Dame Jennifer Smith drafted Standing Orders which also include a new official Hansard.