§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the delays experienced 642W by hon. Members in getting replies when writing to his Department or direct to the Metropolitan Police, he will take action to ensure that the police reply to correspondence as expeditiously as Government Departments; and whether he can ascertain when the hon. Member for Newham, North-West can expect a reply to his communication dealing with Walter Probyn.
§ Mr. WhitelawMy noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State replied on 23 January to the hon. Member's letter of 12 December to me. Responsibility for correspondence addressed direct to the police rests with the chief officer of police concerned.