§ Mr. Chopeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department 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. HurdThe latest period for which figures are available is 1 April 1985–31 March 1986. In this period 30,388 letters from hon. and right hon. Members and others were received for ministerial reply in my Department.
As of 31 March, 7,984 cases were recorded as awaiting a substantive reply: of these, 1,871 were recorded as having been received between 31 and 60 days previously, 706 cases 61 to 90 days previously, 1,421 cases between 91 to 180 days previously and 1,197 more than 180 days previously. In a significant proportion of immigration cases, substantive replies are not sent for a number of months while inquiries are being pursued or while an appeal is outstanding. In addition, because of present difficulties with the computer recording system it seems likely that a number of these cases had in fact been completed before 31 March.