§ 66. Mr. M. Lindsayasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that in many Government Departments it has become the normal practice not to reply to letters; and whether he will instruct Ministers to engage additional temporary clerical assistance, if necessary, in order that correspondents can be assured a prompt and courteous acknowledgment or interim reply.
§ Mr. Glenvil HallNo, Sir. I am sure, however, that the Minister concerned will be happy to make inquiry if the hon. Member would furnish him with particulars of cases where replies to correspondents' letters are delayed.
§ Mr. LindsaySurely, the hon. Gentleman knows that in the case of many Departments there is no attempt to answer letters from taxpayers for weeks?
§ Mr. Glenvil HallI realise that there are delays, but the reason is well known to the House. There is a staff shortage, and Members write many letters. We are trying to answer them as soon as possible.
§ Mr. LindsayDoes not the hon. Gentleman realise that this Question does not apply to correspondence from Members, but from the public? Surely, it would be better to send a printed interim reply, rather than let people suffer the disappointment and frustration which they are undergoing at the present time.
§ Viscount HinchingbrookeWould the hon. Gentleman see that letters from Ministers to the public at least carry a date, an address, and a signature, which is very often not the case?