§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why it took him until 19th January 1973 to reply to 322W the chief executive officer and town clerk of the London Borough of Newham's two letters of 7th and 15th December 1972 requesting him to meet a deputation; what details or information as contained in this reply could not have been sent during December 1972; and whether he will expedite his replies to such correspondence.
§ Sir K. JosephI understood that the other authorities concerned, the City, Hackney and Tower Hamlets, would be making representations and might wish to join in a deputation with Newham. By arrangement between officers of my Department and Newham Borough Council, a reply was deferred to allow time for representations from the other authorities. Since these were not in fact received my noble friend the Minister of State sent the letter referred to.