§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why it took him until 15th February, 1971 to reply to the hon. Member for West Ham, North's letter of 2nd November, 1970, regarding matters connected with the treatment under the Health Service of one of his constituents; what information was contained in the letter of 15th February, 1971 which was not available within a few days of receipt of the communication of 2nd November, 1970; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlisonI take it the hon. Member is referring to his letter of 20th November. No information on the matter raised was available in my Department and a report from the medical staff concerned was obtained through the Regional Hospital Board. I then considered this report and decided that some of the issues involved needed further examination before a substantive reply could be sent to the hon. Member. I regret that these processes should have resulted in delay but in some cases this cannot be avoided.