§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether personal letters from lords-lieutenant to him are (a) treated officially and (b) delegated to junior ministers; [52340]
(2) if he will make a statement with regard to his policy on personally replying to letters from (a) privy councillors, (b) other hon. Members, (c) royalty, (d) lords-lieutenant and (e) others; [52341]
(3) if it is his policy to reply personally to letters addressed personally to him by lords-lieutenant of counties. [52339]
177W
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 25 April 2002]: It is common practice for the Secretary of State for Defence to respond to letters addressed personally to him from members of the royal family and Members of Parliament who are fellow Privy Councillors. Letters from other hon. Members would normally be delegated to the responsible junior Minister for reply, although there will be some exceptions to this rule. Similarly, letters from Her Majesty's lords-lieutenant would normally be delegated to the responsible junior Minister or his private secretary. Letters from others will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Most will receive an official response, but some will receive a response from a Minister or one of his private secretaries.