§ 21. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why it took him from 24 April until 20 May to send a formal acknowledgment letter concerning damage to the dockland centre, stating that the hon. Member for Newham, North-West's letter had been forwarded to the Commissioner of Police; what was contained in his formal letter of acknowledgement which could not and should have been sent within a few days; and whether he will expedite his acknowledgments and replies to correspondence.
§ Mr. RaisonIt is the practice in the Home Office for letters from hon. Members to be formally acknowledged on receipt by means of a printed card. The letter of 20 May to which the hon. Member refers was sent when it became clear that, because of the need to consult the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, it would not be possible to send the hon. Member a substantive reply within a reasonable period.
We are satisfied that every effort is made to reply to letters from hon. Members as quickly as possible.