§ Mr. Chopeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 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. EggarThe precise information is not readily available in the form requested and could only be supplied at disproportionate cost. However, it is our office practice to reply to all letters from right hon. and hon. Members within, as far as possible, (and in many cases less than) two weeks from receipt. In the majority of cases these replies are substantive.