§ Mr. Malcolm MacPhersonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to letters from the hon. Member for Stirling and Falkirk Burghs about the financial affairs of constituents, what were the circumstances in which a letter dated 23rd March, 1959, was mislaid and not replied to until 19th June, 1959, a letter dated 18th June, 1959, was mislaid and not replied to until 27th October, 1959, and a letter dated 22nd June, 1959, which he passed to another Minister for reply was not sent to the other Department until 25th August, 1959; and what steps he has taken to make sure that such circumstances do not arise again.
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Mr. AmoryI have written to the hon. Member explaining the circumstances, which I deeply regret, and the steps which have been taken to prevent their recurrence. I shall seek an opportunity of apologising personally to the hon. Gentleman.