HC Deb 10 February 1982 vol 17 cc411-2W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services on what date he received the communication from the hon. Member for Newham, North-West dated 5 December 1981 concerning personal details concerning pension matters; why the hon. Member had received no substantive reply by 1 February 1982; and when a substantive reply may be expected.

Mr. Rossi

The letter from the hon. Member was received on 7 December and a reply was sent on 5 February. The delay was caused by the need to consider a number of points and to investigate the handling of the original pension inquiry. The reply covered these points in detail.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the usual period taken by Ministers in his Department to reply to letters from hon. Members dealing with individuals' pensions.

Mr. Rossi

Issues relating to individual pension entitlements are normally dealt with by Members direct with their local office manager. Ministerial replies to letters from hon. Members on such issues will normally be sent within three weeks. Some correspondence will. take longer depending on the complexity of the issue and the extent of any consultation or investigation required.