§ 81. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the hon. Member for West Ham, North wrote to him on 18th July regarding a constituent's parking difficulties and that it was not until 27th July that he sent formal acknowledgment stating that the matter had been referred to the Commissioner of Police; why it took 11 days to inform the hon. Member that his letter had been passed on; and whether he will expedite the giving of such formal communications in the future.
§ Mr. SharplesI think that the hon. Member must be referring to his letter dated 16th July which was received on 17th July and acknowledged on the same day. The letter of 27th July informed him that the matter he raised had been referred to the police for inquiry so that he would be aware that a final reply could not yet be sent. I do not think that the correspondence shows any need to alter the current practice.