asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that in many Government Departments it has become the normal practice not to reply to letters; and whether he will instruct Ministers to engage additional temporary clerical assistance, if necessary, in order that correspondents can be assured a prompt and courteous acknowledgment or interim reply.

No, Sir. I am sure, however, that the Minister concerned will be happy to make inquiry if the hon. Member would furnish him with particulars of cases where replies to correspondents' letters are delayed.

Surely, the hon. Gentleman knows that in the case of many Departments there is no attempt to answer letters from taxpayers for weeks?

I realise that there are delays, but the reason is well known to the House. There is a staff shortage, and Members write many letters. We are trying to answer them as soon as possible.

Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that this Question does not apply to correspondence from Members, but from the public? Surely, it would be better to send a printed interim reply, rather than let people suffer the disappointment and frustration which they are undergoing at the present time.

Would the hon. Gentleman see that letters from Ministers to the public at least carry a date, an address, and a signature, which is very often not the case?