asked the Leader of the House:

Further to her reply on 10 June (Official Report, House of Lords, col. 840), what action she has taken about two letters sent on 26 July 2007 by Lord Grenfell as chairman of the European Union Committee to the Minister of State, Home Office, Mr Liam Byrne, one of which was replied to after 10 months concerning an opt-in decision which expired in September 2007 and the other of which is still awaiting reply, both letters having been subject to reminders for a reply. [HL4302]

Mr Byrne apologises for the delay in responding to the chairman of the European Union Select Committee and he has now responded to Lord Grenfell. The Government value the important work done by Select Committees, and I am working with ministerial colleagues to ensure that delays of this kind do not occur in the future.