Departments: Correspondence

Dr. Cable
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions his Department has had with the Cabinet Office on the target of 20 working days for replying to correspondence from hon. Members.

John Healey
There have been no formal discussions with the Cabinet Office on this target. The Cabinet Office guidance to Departments and agencies provides for a target of replying to correspondence in no more than 20 working days. HM Treasury has adopted a lower target of replying within 15 working days.