§ Mr. Winnickasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average time taken by his Department for replying to letters from hon. Members.
§ Mr. FowlerIt is not possible to give a realistic average as the time taken to reply depends on whether it is necessary for the Department to seek local information about the particular case. It is almost certain, however, that those hon. Members who write direct to the chairmen of their district health authority or the manager o f the Department's local social security office in appropriate cases will receive replies more quickly.