§ Bob RussellTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average time taken to provide full responses to correspondence from Right honourable and honourable Members in respect of working family tax credit applications to the Inland Revenue has been; and if he will make a statement. [123370]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThe Inland Revenue's Tax Credit Office does not keep information about the average time taken to answer right hon. and hon. Members' letters about the working families tax credit.
The TCO aims to answer 80 per cent. of all letters, including those from right hon. and hon. Members, within 15 working days of receipt. In the year to 31 March 2003 the TCO exceeded this target and answered 84 per cent. of all letters within 15 working days of receipt. They will measure their performance in the current financial year and report against their aim in due course.