§ Mr. Proctorasked the Prime Minister what is the longest period of time between her giving a holding answer to a priority written question and her giving the substantive answer over the last 12 months.
§ The Prime MinisterRecords show that the longest such period was 10 working days, although this was an exceptional case involving the compilation of detailed statistical tables. It is my normal practice to answer all priority written questions on the day for which they are tabled, but if it is ever necessary to put in a holding reply, to answer as soon as practicable thereafter.