To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will ensure that questions from hon. Members which he diverts to the Benefits Agency are replied to (a) by the chief Executive and (b) within a reasonable period.

I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher) on 18 June at columns 104–5. Letters from the Benefits Agency in response to parliamentary questions should normally reach hon. Members within 24 hours of a question being answered.