HC Deb 14 February 1973 vol 850 cc370-2W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Prime Minister 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.

The Prime Minister

Statistics of this sort are not readily available, but substantive replies are and will continue to be given as quickly as possible to all letters from hon. Members without discrimination between them.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Prime Minister whether he will initiate a general practice that all Ministers shall reply personally to their mail from Members of Parliament.

The Prime Minister

No. It is for Ministers to decide where responsibility falls for answering on behalf of the Government points raised by hon. Members.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Lord President of the Council 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. Prior

Statistics of this kind are not readily available, but substantive replies are and will continue to be given as quickly as possible to all letters from hon. Members without discrimination between them.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Attorney-General what is the average time taken

DIRECT INVESTMENT IN FRANCE (OTHER THAN OIL)
£ million
Gross investment* Net investment*
Total Total Unremitted profits Other
1966 19.4 16.5 3.2 13.3
1967 17.8 11.2 2.6 8.6
1968 13.4 8.5 6.0 2.5
1969 23.8 18.0 7.6 10.4
1970 30.1 24.4 9.9 14.5
*Gross investment is the total of additions to investment in France by firms which increased their stake there. Net investment is derived from it by deducting total disinvestment by firms which reduced their stake.

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.

The Attorney-General

Statistics of this kind are not readily available, but substantive replies are and will continue to be given as quickly as possible to all letters from hon. Members without discrimination between them.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Lord Advocate what is the average time taken by his Department to send a substantive reply to letters sent to him by Members of Parliament; and what action he has taken or intends taking to expedite replies.

The Lord Advocate

Statistics of this kind are not readily available, but substantive replies are and will continue to be given as quickly as possible to all letters from hon. Members.