§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why it took his private secretary until 19 May to send a formal acknowledgment letter of receipt saying he was unable to reply to the hon. Member for Newham North-West's letter of 18 April concerning the tax-free first-class travel warrants supplied to Members of the House of Lords; and whether he will expedite his acknowledgments and replies to hon. Members of Parliament's letters in the future.
§ Mr. Peter ReesEvery attempt is made to reply to hon. Members as quickly as possible while ensuring that their letters receive full consideration. The letter sent to the hon. Member on 19 May was intended as an interim acknowledgment, which is sent automatically whenever it is not possible to 471W provide a substantive reply within a month. I sent the hon. Member a full reply on 21 May. I regret any inconvenience caused by the delay.