HC Deb 01 May 1981 vol 3 c470W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to ensure that replies to letters from hon. Members are made by junior Ministers themselves, rather than being made by an assistant private secretary.

Mr. Whitelaw

My Department's normal practice is for a private secretary to sign letters to hon. Members where the information conveyed is of an entirely routine nature, such as that inquiries are being made and that the Minister will reply when they are completed, or seeking further information about the matter raised. I see no reason to change these arrangements.