Questions put to full council by absent members are likely to be answered in the future, following a proposal by county councillor David Bryan.

Councillor Bryan missed a council meeting earlier this year, as he was in hospital.

During this meeting his question, concerning the actions of cabinet member Rob Lewis and the involvement of the Ombudsman, was not answered in the chamber.

Instead Cllr Bryan received a written answer; the question was subsequently not mentioned in the minutes of the meeting.

"The fact that neither my fellow colleagues nor the public have any idea of that written answer is not in the spirit of transparency," said Cllr Bryan.

"Transparency and openness is what Pembrokeshire County Council should be achieving. Without this process being followed the residents of this county will be feeling there are facts that the ruling group are trying to cover up."

Councillor Bryan proposed that in future meetings of full council all questions should be answered, whether the questioner is present or not. Supplementary questions could then be asked by a nominee of the absent questioner and the whole process should be minuted.

The member nominated to ask supplementary questions should be instructed by the absent member prior to the meeting and made known to council officials by 9am on the day of the meeting.

The notice of motion was approved by Monday's corporate governance committee and will now be referred to full council.