HC Deb 12 July 1999 vol 335 c30W
Mr. Burns

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of mail received in the last 12 months for which figures are available from right hon. and hon. Members was replied to by him within,(a) up to 20 days, (b) 21 to 30 days, (c) 31 to 40 days and (d) over 40 days. [90153]

Ms Jowell

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office to my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Gillian Merron) on 11 June 1999,Official Report, columns 403–06, which sets out departmental performance against the targets set for answering correspondence from right hon. and hon. Members, in the 1998 calender year.

The percentage of mail received in the last 12 months from right hon. and hon. Members which is replied to within the time scales specified could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he plans to respond to the letter of 24 May from the hon. Member for North Essex to the Prime Minister about cancer services in North Essex, which was referred to him by the Prime Minister's Office on 17 June; and if he will make a statement; [90544]

(2) when he plans to respond to the letters from the hon. Member for North Essex about cancer services in North Essex, dated 6 May; and if he will make a statement. [90543]

Ms Jowell

My noble Friend Baroness Hayman replied to the hon. Member on 9 July offering a meeting to discuss the services in North Essex.

Forward to