AN ANONYMOUS correspondent (Letters, April 23) asks why I reply to emails by sending a letter through the post.
It would be easier and cheaper to reply by email, and I use email when a constituent requests it, but I generally use the post because:
1. An email could come from anyone, but a personally signed letter shows I have looked at a constituent’s query personally
2. I have had problems, occasionally, with people impersonating me in emails
3. In the early days of email, I decided to reply to all constituents on the same timescale, whether they contact me by letter, telephone or email. I did not want to give privileged access to people with computers. Times have moved on and I’d welcome views about whether I should now use email more.
4. I have argued to keep local post offices open. If I didn’t post letters myself, I could be accused of hypocrisy.
In response to the correspondent’s cost-saving suggestions: 1. I do not claim lunch on expenses. I eat at my desk.
2. I now rarely rent rooms for meetings.
3. The design and cost of the cream and green House of Commons paper is agreed by the House, but I did argue, successfully, more than a decade ago for them to use recycled paper.
Hugh Bayley MP York Central.
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