HC Deb 16 July 1998 vol 316 cc244-5W
Mr. Sanders

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his Department's average response time to correspondence from members of the public; and how such response times are monitored. [48669]

Mr. Fatchett

In 1997, FCO replied to 84.7 per cent. (17,997) of the 21,248 letters received from members of the public within 20 working days of receipt.

FCO Departments record the dates of receipt of letters from members of the public and issue of replies, and the proportion of their replies issued within the 20 day target.

Mr. Ian Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans his Department has to correspond electronically with(a) hon. Members and (b) members of the public. [49803]

Mr. Tony Lloyd

[holding answer 13 July 1998]: This Department is able to receive electronic correspondence from hon. Members and members of the public via an interactive form on its website (www.fco.gov.uk). Where possible, we are happy to reply electronically.