§ Mr. Chopeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services 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. FowlerMinisters in my Department replied to some 35,000 letters in 1985, an increase of about 50 per cent. on the previous year. In many cases, these letters require inquiries to be made with health authorities of local social security offices which can often cause delays.
The figures requested are 885, 365, 250 and 126 respectively.
In some cases direct approaches to DHSS local offices, or the chairman of the local district health authority would be the quickest way of proceeding.