§ 40. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why it tok him until 31st March 1973 to reply to the communication sent to him by the hon. Member for West Ham, North, dated 29th December 1972, concerning a constituent's prison sentence; and what information, as contained in this reply, was not available in January 1973.
§ Mr. CarlisleThe case was a complex one which involved extensive consultation within the Home Office before a reply to the hon. Member could be prepared.