Written question asked by Lord Ramsbotham (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Taylor of Holbeach (Conservative) on Monday, 20 December 2010.

House of Lords: Members' Correspondence

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what guidance is given to Ministers regarding the timing of replies to letters from Members of the House of Lords.

Answer: The Cabinet Office guidance, Handling Correspondence from Members of Parliament, Members of the House of Lords, MEPs and Members of Devolved Assemblies: Guidance for Departments advises departments that they should respond to letters promptly. The guidance suggests a target of 20 working days for replying to letters but a number of departments set a tighter deadline. A copy of the guidance is available in the Library of the House. The Cabinet Office also publishes an annual report on the handling of correspondence from MPs and Peers which shows performance against departmental targets. Information for 2009 was published on 16 March 2010, Official Report, col. WS58. Information for 2010 is currently being collated and will be published shortly.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 5131; 723 c255WA
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Correspondence House of Lords Government departments Ministers Peers
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk