§ Mr. Allasonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many letters he and his Department received in October and November on matters for which he is responsible.
§ Mr. RipponOn average my Department receives 350,000 letters each month of which many are addressed to the Secretary of State but have to receive official answers. About 2,000 come from Members of Parliament addressed either to myself or my Ministers. In October I replied to 583 and in November to 525 and my Ministers to the remainder.