§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give the average time taken by his Department to send formal acknowledgements of receipt and replies to letters sent to him generally and by Members of Parliament in particular; how these times compare with a stated period as long ago as may be conveniently recorded; and what action he has taken or intends taking to expedite these replies to the taxpayer and their elected representatives.
§ Mr. HealeyIt has been the practice for a considerable time to send acknowledgements to letters from hon. Members and members of the public as soon as possible after receipt and replies, wherever practicable, within 14 days. However, where inquiries have to be made it is not always possible to reply within this time. I keep the matter of correspondence under constant review.