§ Mr. Rhodes Jamesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average length of time between the receipt of a case submitted by hon. Members to his Department and the reply of the Department; whether he is satisfied with the present situation; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DeakinsStatistics of this kind are not readily available. Every effort is made to reply to letters as quickly as possible, and we are seeking at all times ways of improving performance. I am writing to the hon. Member about the specific cases he may have in mind.