§ Mr. Maxwell-Hyslopasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of the Prime Minister's direction that Ministers are to reply to Members' letters within 21 days, whether he is aware that he did not reply to a letter from the hon. Member for Tiverton for 42 days ; and if he will now take action to ensure that this does not occur again.
§ Mr. GodberMinisters are not directed to reply to Members' letters 115W within 21 days but rather to ensure that replies are sent at the earliest possible moment, taking account of the nature and content of the correspondence. Very many replies are sent within 21 days. In the case to which my hon. Friend refers a full reply to this and many other letters on the same subject was sent as soon as relevant policy decisions had been taken. The developing situation was widely publicised in my statements of 8th and 31st October and 16th November.