§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he will cause an interdepartmental investigation to ascertain the reasons why, despite increased staffs, and modern improvements in telephones, copying machines, electronic aids and electric typewriters, it now takes Departments longer to send a formal acknowledgement card of receipt, interim, and substantive replies, to correspondence and to that of hon. Members in particular, than was the case more than 30 years ago.
§ Mr. HayhoeComparing like with like there are now fewer civil servants than there were 30 years ago. Many more letters are being received. The use of modern 97W equipment in ministerial offices and elsewhere has helped to deal with the increase in work. My ministerial colleagues and I aim to deal with most inquiries in three to four weeks, but some complex questions may take longer.