§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why it took him until 16th March 1978 to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Newham, North-West of 12th January 1978 enclosing a communication from Councillor W. Watts, J.P., regarding illegal immigration; what was contained in this letter which was not known on the date of its receipt; and whether this is the usual time taken to send information in such circumstances.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesI receive many thousands of letters each year from hon. Members on immigration and other matters; each one is dealt with as rapidly as possible. It is not always practicable for me to reply as soon as I would wish, and I am sorry that in the case of the particular leter referred to a reply could not be sent earlier.