§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will place in the Library for each year since 1995 the average response time for providing a substantive answer to(a) hon. 822W Members' correspondence, (b) correspondence from members of the public and (c) written parliamentary questions in the (i) Commons and (ii) Lords; [7016]
(2) if he will place in the Library for each year since 1995 the total number of (a) letters from hon. Members, (b) letters from members of the public and (c) parliamentary questions from (i) hon. Members and (ii) Lords dealt with by his Department; what percentage took (A) more than one month and (B) more than three months to provide a substantive answer; and if he will make a statement. [7017]
§ The Prime MinisterThe information requested is not available in the manner requested.
The effective handling of correspondence and PQs is an issue to which I, and ministerial colleagues, attach great importance. I take an active interest in the way my office deals with all letters sent to me. I receive approximately 500,000 items of post a year compared with an estimated 25,000 items received annually six years ago. My office takes action on all letters received within 15 working days.
General information the volumes of correspondence received across Whitehall and an overall performance is published by the Cabinet Office. Figures for 2000 were published on 6 April 2001, Official Report, columns 324–28W and on 19 July 2001, Official Report, columns 454–56W.
My office aims to answer all ordinary written parliamentary questions within five working days, and named day written parliamentary questions on the day named.
I have answered 110 written parliamentary questions this Session, providing substantive answers for 88 per cent. of them on time.