§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will give the average time taken by his Department to send formal acknowledgements 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 the taxpayer and their elected representatives.
§ Mr. BennI regret that the information is not readily available in the form requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Normal practice in my Department is for letters to Ministers from Members of Parliament to be acknowledged immediately and for all letters to be dealt with as soon as possible.