§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what her policy is on authorising ministers and officials to reply to letters from(a) privy councillors, (b) hon. Members and (c) members of the House of Lords; what distinction she makes between members of the opposition and Government supporters; and which categories of correspondents the Prime Minister replies to himself. [142980]
§ Mr. StringerThere are long-established conventions governing the handling of correspondence from Privy Councillors and Members of both Houses. These are set out in various guidance documents issued by the Cabinet Office. The most recent guidance document, "Handing Correspondence from Members of Parliament: Guidance for Departments", was published in July 2000. Copies have been placed in the Library of the House.