§ 30. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why it took his Department until 26 January to reply to the question from the hon. Member for Newham, North-West due for an answer on 22 January concerning social welfare benefits to a man with two wives and 39 children; why the reply contained only a statement that the hon. Member would be written to; why by 9 February no such letter had been received by the hon. Member; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe question tabled on 20 January could not be answered until 26 January when the nature of the
communication given to the hon. Member for Newham, North-Westwas eventually identified as a newspaper cutting. The letter promised in the reply, and in the further reply given on 28 January, was sent on 9 February.