Written question asked by Linda Perham (Labour) on Monday, 30 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 May 2001. It was answered by Jack Straw (Labour) on Thursday, 3 May 2001 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the reason was for the delay in transferring the letter from the honourable Member for Ilford North of 24th July relating to the closure of Citizens Advice Bureaux in Redbridge from his Department to the DTI; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Ms Perham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the reason was for the delay in transferring the letter from the hon. Member for Ilford, North of 24 July relating to the closure of Citizens Advice Bureaux in Redbridge from his Department to the DTI; and if he will make a statement. [160119] Mr. Straw: I am sorry that there was such a serious delay in transferring my hon. Friend's letter of 24 July. Within two days of receipt of the letter my Private Office correspondence section identified that responsibility for the subject matter fell outside my Department. A number of attempts were made immediately and over the next few months to transfer the correspondence to the most appropriate Department. The Department of Trade and Industry accepted the letter on 8 February. I recognise fully that this is a quite unacceptable level of service and apologise to my hon. Friend and her constituents for this. My Department has now initiated measures to ensure that transfers of correspondence are effected within a reasonable period and in accordance with central guidance.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 160119; 367 c709W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Closures Administrative delays Correspondence Members Redbridge Transfer of questions Citizens' advice bureaux
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk