§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent his failures to answer parliamentary questions on time generally, and, in particular from the hon. Member for Newham North-West, is due to the industrial dispute caused by the Civil Service unions; and what action he proposes to take to ensure that hon. Members' parliamentary questions are answered in accordance with the Standing Orders of the House.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonI am unaware of any breach of Standing Orders. Every effort is made to answer my hon. Friend's parliamentary questions, and those from other hon. Members, with expedition. To date, the impact of industrial action has affected the answer to only one parliamentary question from the hon. Member for Newham, North-West (Mr. Lewis).