Labour MP questions Cameron's work ethic

A SENIOR Labour MP has questioned whether Prime Minister David Cameron is lazier than his predecessors.

Sir Gerald Kaufman said Mr Cameron failed to write personal replies to MPs' letters, unlike other occupants of 10 Downing Street.

Sir Gerald told MPs: "Unlike Margaret Thatcher, Ted Heath and John Major, all of whom were meticulous in replying personally to letters from Members, the present Prime Minister does not do so."

He called for a debate to give Mr Cameron the chance to "explain whether he is more important than his predecessors or whether he is just too lazy".

Leader of the House Sir George Young said he had previously written to prime ministers but received replies from others, adding: "I don't think it is wholly unusual."

Sir George pledged to raise the issue with Mr Cameron to see if any changes were needed in the No 10 correspondence office.

Earlier this year Downing Street officials admitted inventing names in replies to letters after Sir Gerald received a reply from a "Mrs E Adams" and rang Downing Street asking to be put through to the signatory. He was told she did not exist and the name was "computer-generated".