In response to Michael Sayer's letter published last week (Harrow Times, June 12), I had not forgotten the London Assembly's questioning of the Mayor was televised.

But I am not in there for appearances' sake. I must also thank him for selectively listing Boris' commitments, though I must assure him I am more than aware of them.

Not only am I happy to confirm my presence at the meeting, but the absence of an oral question from me does not mean an "inability to table a question" on my part.

Each party on the assembly has a limited amount of time to ask questions allocated and the Labour group had simply run out of its allotted time before I could pose my oral question regarding the closure of North Harrow ticket office.

When this happens, the question receives a written answer. Assembly members are also allowed to table an unlimited number of written questions to the Mayor.

I tabled a further three, covering a number of issues from cycle routes at the new Brent Cross development to health and safety on the London Overground.

Nonetheless, I would presume my presence would be confirmed to Mr Sayer by my follow up to an oral question posed by the Conservatives, asking the Mayor if his manifesto belief "a successful affordable housing policy is not just about the amount of units secured, it is also about meeting the particular property needs of an area" (quoted from Boris' Planning and Housing Manifesto, Building a Better London) meant a recognition of the need for a greater number of family size dwellings in new developments in the outer London boroughs, even at the expense of smaller "starter homes".

As I told the campaigners present in person on May 18, I was disappointed not to pose my question about North Harrow to the Mayor in person. I am following up his unsatisfactory answer with another oral question this month.

As it is the role of the London Assembly to hold the Mayor to account, I would be surprised if my commitment to scrutinising the Mayor, as illustrated in this letter, were to be considered politically biased by any fair-minded person. It is simply my function as your London Assembly member.

Councillor Navin Shah
Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow