§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the target time will be in 2002–03 for(a) ministers to reply to letters from hon. Members and (b) officials in his Department to reply to letters received directly from members of the public. [44952]
§ Mr. MacshaneThe FCO target in 2001–02 for ministers to reply to letters from hon. Members is to respond to 89 per cent of correspondence within 20 working days. The target for 2002–03 will be agreed shortly. The FCO target in 2001–02 for replies to letters received directly from members of the public is to806W respond to 90 per cent. of correspondence within 20 working days. The target for 2002–03 will also be agreed shortly.