HC Deb 19 December 2000 vol 360 c156W
Mr. Ian Bruce

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what her assessment is of the progress of ministers in replying to letters from hon. Members more promptly. [141611]

Mr. Stringer

The prompt and efficient handling of Members' correspondence is an issue to which I and ministerial colleagues attach the greatest importance. I know that Departments are working hard to improve their response times, and I hope that the forthcoming annual report on Departments handling of Members correspondence (which is due to be presented to Parliament in the Spring) will show that real progress has been made.