§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why, in view of the fact that the information as contained in the eventual reply was readily available for depatch within 24 hours of receipt of the communication, dated 2nd December, 1970, sent to him by the hon. Member for West Ham, North, concerning cruelty to animals, it took him until 30th December, 1970, to reply to this communication; and whether, in future, he will expedite replies to Members of Parliament when information is readily available.
§ Mr. CarlisleThere was no undue delay in answering the hon. Member's letter. The reply contained some information which had to be obtained from the police and was therefore not immediately available.