§ Mr. Chopeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many letters from hon. Members to his Department still awaiting a substantive reply were received more than (a) one month ago, (b) two months ago, (c) three months ago and (d) four months ago; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RidleyAs at 11 July, the total number of letters from right hon. and hon. Members to my Department where substantive replies had been outstanding for more than one month was 121. Of these cases 29 had been outstanding for more than two months; 12 for more than three months and one for more than four months.
Expressed as percentages of the total number of letters received during the period of review, the above totals represent 0.9 per cent., 0.2 per cent., 0.1 per cent. and 0.007 per cent., respectively.