§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the target times within which Treasury Ministers aim to reply to letters sent to them by hon. Members on behalf of their constituents.
§ Sir John CopeMy right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has set the following targets for replies to ministerial correspondence:
Letters for ministerial reply on matters concerning Her Majesty's Treasury: Reply to be posted within 15 working days.
Letters for ministerial reply on matters concerning other Chancellor's Departments, including Inland Revenue and Her Majesty's Customs and Excise: Reply to be posted within 18 working days.
Letters for ministerial reply on matters requiring a report from a local Inland Revenue tax office: Reply to be posted within 23 working days.
These targets come into operation from Monday, 2 November. The targets will be kept under review. Details of the extent to which they have been met will be published in the Chancellor's Department's departmental report.