HC Deb 21 July 1999 vol 335 cc567-8W
18. Mr. Ian Bruce

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what is the average time it takes for Government departments to answer letters from hon. Members; and what plans he has to reduce the time taken. [90889]

Mr. Kilfoyle

The majority of letters from hon. Members to Ministers are replied to within the target times set by individual Departments, which is typically 15 to 20 working days. The Government are determined to improve their performance in handling correspondence from hon. Members and Ministers are now working towards replying to at least 90 per cent. of all correspondence within the target times set by their Department.