§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average time taken by his Department to send a substantive reply to letters sent to him by Members of Parliament; how this average time compares with the time taken to send replies to the communications sent to him by the hon. Member for West Ham, North; and what action he has taken or intends taking to expedite replies.
§ Mr. CarlisleMeaningful averages could be produced only after a great deal of research and at a disproportionate cost to public funds. Procedures for dealing with hon. Members' letters are continuously under review and the Home Office is well aware that replies should be sent to all hon. Members at the earliest possible date.