§ 54. Sir H. Williamsasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the continued dilatoriness of Government Departments in dealing with correspondence; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with this hindrance to the nation's war effort?
§ The Prime MinisterThere is considerable pressure upon Departments in present circumstances, and in certain cases some delay is unavoidable, particularly where information has to be obtained from outlying stations or detached offices of the Civil Departments, but I can assure my hon. Friend that every effort is being and will be made to reply as quickly as possible to correspondence. I think it remarkable that there has been no greater hindrance in all the circumstances.
§ Mr. StokesWould the Prime Minister encourage the use of dictaphones in all departments?
§ Sir J. NallDoes my right hon. Friend appreciate that Members who address their questions to Ministers are at a disadvantage owing to the long delay in getting replies? If we put them on the Paper, we get an answer, but if we write a letter, it takes six weeks.
§ The Prime MinisterI shall do my very best. I cannot say more.
§ Mr. BuchananWould the right hon. Gentleman consider the re-constitution of the Home Office? Some of the officials do not reply for months on end.