HC Deb 26 February 1996 vol 272 cc418-20W
Mr. Rooney

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what performance target he has set for the inspectorate of pollution as regards answering letters from hon. Members. [16916]

Mr. Clappison

Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution, as part of my Department, does not reply directly to the letters of hon. Members. Replies normally come from Ministers in my Department. However, if hon. Members' letters concern the work of HMIP, the inspectorate will advise Ministers on a reply. Usually a reply should be received by an hon. Member within 10 to 15 working days. Under HMIP's citizens charter statement, any complaint from the public about a particular site is investigated promptly, and anyone making a complaint is informed of the outcome within 15 working days.