He has been summoned before the Procedure Committee for a dressing-down over his department's performance in answering parliamentary questions - where figures show it has the worst record in Whitehall, with MPs waiting too long for often unacceptable answers.

BBC: Week ahead in committees

In the half-light, the proscenium glowed like a bright department-store window, which shadowy people behind it were dressing.

NEWYORKER: The Natural