§ Mr. Matthew Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) pursuant to the answer of 6 July, Official Report, column 37, whether letters referred to Conservative Central Office or his political adviser have the status of a ministerial reply; and if he will make a statement;
(2) pursuant to the answer of 6 July, Official Report, column 37, whether he can estimate how many letters addressed to him on ministerial business were referred to Conservative Central Office or his political adviser;
(3) pursuant to the answer of 6 July, Official Report, column 37, on what basis letters addressed to him as Minister were referred to Conservative Central Office or his political adviser for replies.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerAll letters from candidates were considered for reply by Conservative Central Office or my political adviser, as were letters relating to policies announced in the Conservative manifesto. Replies on Conservative Central Office paper do not have the status of a ministerial reply. About 15 replies on educational matters were deal with in this way.