§ Mr. Tom Clarkeasked the Prime Minister to what she attributes the variation between Ministers in the time taken to reply to hon. Members' correspondence; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterThe information requested by the hon. Member could be obtained only at disproportionate costs. All Departments receive a very large volume of ministerial correspondence. In all cases Ministers will make efforts to reply quickly. The information which I have available indicates that questions from hon. Members are dealt with with reasonable expedition, although inevitably the time taken varies depending upon such factors as the amount of research required and the number of people who need to be consulted.
§ Mr. Tom Clarkeasked the Prime Minister what arrangements are being made by Departments to seek to ensure that hon. Members' correspondence is dealt with timeously during the summer recess; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterIt is the aim of Ministers to respond with appropriate dispatch and priority to correspondence from hon. Members at all times.
So far as is possible the normal departmental arrangements for dealing with correspondence will be applied during the recess. Where this is not possible each Department will adjust these arrangements to meet its particular circumstances and to maintain an effective service.