Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to introduce legislation to require all providers of public services (whether the provider is a public body or in the private sector), to provide a facility, whenever they email customers or potential customers, for that email to be answered by email and not to prevent a response with a "no-reply" communication address.

The Cabinet Office is not aware of any plans to introduce legislation preventing departments from responding with a "no reply" email.

Each department is responsible for deciding how it communicates with members of the public by email.

Some departments may wish to send emails from a "no reply" email address to ensure that follow up emails are sent through the correct routes and handled consistently and effectively. However, all departments will either have an email address or a contact form that can be accessed on GOV.UK for members of the public.