§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will give the average time taken by his Department to send formal acknowledgments of receipt and replies to letters sent to him generally and by Members of Parliament in particular; how these times compare with a stated period as long ago as may be conveniently recorded; and what action he has taken or intends taking to expedite these replies to taxpayers and their elected representatives.
§ Mr. ShoreI regret that the information is not readily available in the form requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, it is the policy of my Department that all letters from Members of Parliament, and from the public, are acknowledged immediately and dealt with as soon as possible.