§ Sir Geoffrey Finsbergasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many letters which have been with his Department for four, six, eight, 10 and over 12 weeks, respectively, as at 10 April and which were from Members of Parliament remain without substantive replies from his Department.
§ Mr. RidleyThe total number of letters from hon. Members to my Department remaining without substantive replies after four weeks numbered 135 as at 10 April. This figure reduces to 68 letters without reply after six weeks, 28 after eight weeks, 18 after 10 weeks and seven after 12 weeks. The figure of 135 represents about:3 per cent. of letters received by my Department from hon. Members. They concern the more complex matters, on which further work has to be done before a substantive reply can be given.