§ Mr. Onslowasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the average time in the curent year taken by his 18W Department to produce a substantive reply to letters from hon. Members; and what steps he is taking to improve matters.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweThe time taken to answer letters varies substantially depending on the complexity of the subject. But I accept that in recent months a number of letters from hon. Members have been handled much too slowly. I am now completing a review of the relevant arrangements in all my departments with the aim of enabling substantive replies to be given to hon. Members with the minimum of delay.