§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average length of time it takes his Department's office at Norcross, Blackpool to reply to letters from(a) claimants and (b) hon. Members; and what steps are being taken to speed up the process.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardInformation on the average time taken to reply to letters from claimants is not available, but the quality of service provided by the Department's offices at Norcross is currently being monitored. The average time taken to reply to letters from hon. and right hon. Members is between five and six days.