§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why it took him until 31st October to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for West Ham, North concerning his constituent Mr. A. H. Vohra of Forest Gate's relative's request to enter the United Kingdom; and what was contained in this letter which could not have been sent at an earlier date.
§ Mr. LaneThe letter sent to the hon. Member on 31st October was an interim reply to let him know that inquiries were being made overseas and that a full reply would be sent to him when a report had been received and considered. This could have been said earlier only if it had earlier been apparent that a full reply could not be sent within a reasonable time of the hon. Member's original inquiry. It was not so apparent.