asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in view of the fact that at the request of her office the hon. Member for Newham, North-West telephoned her Department on Wednesday, 16th April and, although the ringing tone ensued, he was on two occasions unable to obtain a reply, she will take steps to ensure that prompt replies are received to telephone calls to her Department.

I am sorry my hon. Friend had difficulty in getting through to my Department on Wednesday, 16th April. The Post Office is trying to trace a suspected fault which has the effect that some incoming calls are not signalled on the telephone switchboard.