§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many letters to parliamentary colleagues are currently on the desks of Ministers in his Department awaiting signature.
§ Mr. FowlerThe number of letters to parliamentary colleagues awaiting signature by a Minister will vary from day to day depending upon the volume of letters received and ministerial engagements. We have no separate record of letters awaiting signature, but our records show that Ministers in the Department sign about 500 letters a week to right hon. and hon. Members. We do, of course, aim to deal with all letters as quickly as possible.