HC Deb 23 February 1982 vol 18 cc327-8W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many letters were received from, and written to, hon. Members by Ministers in his Department in January.

Mr. Whitelaw

The only figures which can readily be provided include, as well as letters to and from hon. Members, a relatively small number of letters to and from other individuals and organisations to whom Ministers intend to reply. In January 1982 approximately 1,550 such letters were received, and 1,750 were sent by myself and Ministers in my Department.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much correspondence his Department has had with hon. Members in the most recent year for which figures are available; and whether this represents an increase or decrease over previous years.

Mr. Whitelaw

The available figures relate to the incoming correspondence from hon. Members and from a relatively small number of other individuals or organisations to whom Ministers intend to reply. There were approximately 22,500 such letters in 1981. This represents about a 1 per cent. decrease on the equivalent figure for 1980.