§ Q9. Mr. Ashleyasked the Prime Minister how many letters he has received about the exercise of his responsibilities since he took office.
§ The Prime MinisterAbout 141,000.
§ Mr. Arthur LewisQ16 and Q20. asked the Prime Minister (1) whether he has received the communication from the hon. Member for West Ham, North, dated 16th January, 1972, complaining of the fact that the hon. Member had to wait until 12th January, 1972, for a reply to his communication of 28th November, 1971; and what action he proposes to take to expedite replies to correspondence in general, and to Members of Parliament in particular;
(2) on what date he received a communication from the hon. Member for West Ham, North, sent under date of 14th January, 1972, complaining of neglect upon the part of civil servants in dealing with Members of Parliaments' mail in general, and one case from the hon. Member in particular; and what action he has taken or intends taking to deal with this matter.
§ The Prime MinisterI received the hon. Member's two letters on 17th January and replied on 18th January. I have told the hon. Member that I cannot accept his allegations of widespread delays in the handling of Ministerial correspondence. The Ministers concerned have written to him about the two particular cases which he raised in his letters.