HC Deb 29 February 1996 vol 272 c1023
Mr. Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne, Central)

On a point of order, Madam Speaker. I seek your assistance in ensuring that hon. Members receive answers to parliamentary questions in good time. The Department of Social Security in Newcastle is facing great changes. More than a month ago I tabled a question asking purely for facts—there was not a single policy implication— about job losses in Newcastle DSS in the past 12 months. I have had to wait more than four weeks for a reply. I seek your help in ensuring more timely and better quality answers from the DSS.

Madam Speaker

I have every sympathy with the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, Central (Mr. Cousins) if what he says is correct—I have no reason to doubt that it is. Four weeks is an inordinately long time to wait for a reply from a Department and I hope that Ministers have noted the exchange.

  1. BILL PRESENTED
    1. c1023
    2. MARRIAGE CEREMONY (PRESCRIBED WORDS) 79 words