To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average cost to his Department was of replying to a letter written (a) by an hon. Member and (b) by a member of the public in the latest period for which figures are available; and how much of that sum is accounted for by (i) officials’ time, (ii) cost of stationery and (iii) postage costs. (80489)

The information requested is not recorded centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

However, on an annual basis the Cabinet Office publishes a report to Parliament on the performance of departments in replying to Members/Peers correspondence. The report for 2005 was published on 30 March 2006, Official Report, columns 76-78WS.