To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many meetings have been requested with his Department's Ministers by (a) Labour and (b) Conservative hon. Members; and how many meetings have been granted in each category. [31287]

My Ministerial colleagues and I have had about 160 official meetings with hon. Members since 1 May 1997. We do not keep records of requests for meetings but are happy to consider such requests from all hon. Members and as a general rule these are granted.In addition, I and my Ministerial colleagues and I make a point of being available around the House for informal meetings with hon. Members of all parties, as very often these can ensure a quicker and more effective response than a more formal meeting.