asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will indicate the average time taken by the Management and Personnel Office to provide a substantive answer to letters from hon. or right hon. Members during the 12 months period to the latest available date.

This information is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. However, the MPO aims to reply to letters from right hon. and hon. Members within 10 working days of receipt and this target is normally achieved.