§ 47. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why it took him until 26 June to reply to the letter dated 24 April from the hon. Member for Newham, North-West concerning the dockland settlement; what, other than a re-paraphrasing of the hon. Member's own letter this reply contained which could not have been sent within days; and whether he will request the police to expedite their replies to him to enable hon. Members to receive a reply in reasonable time.
§ Mr. BrittanThe reply to the hon. Member's letter was based on information obtained from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis and was sent soon after its receipt. We are satisfied that, taking into account his many other responsibilities, the Commissioner deals as quickly as he can with inquiries made on behalf of hon. Members.