To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when she will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for West Chelmsford of 5 October 2006 on behalf of Mr. John Candles of Springfield Park road, Chelmsford; what the reason is for the time taken to reply; and if she will make a statement. (114247)

I apologise for the delay in replying to the hon. Member's letter. A response was issued on 9 January 2007.