A data processing apparatus and method for an FA controller is provided which permits easy collection of response data from a plurality of different types of upper or lower controllers without complicating a user program. The apparatus includes a first control unit 8 for issuing an instruction for designating an object from which data is to be collected, a second control unit 9 for exchanging data with a plurality of upper or lower controllers 3 or 31 according to the instruction, and a two-port memory 16 for facilitating the transfer of information between the first control unit and the second control unit. The second control unit receives the channel number, from which data is to be collected, and an initialization instruction or a sending and receiving instruction issued from the first control unit. The second control unit then refers to the initialization instruction and initializing conditions for each of the plurality of upper or lower controllers for each stored channel number, the instruction for the transfer of data to and from the controllers, and the data to be transmitted or received, in order to transfer data to and from the plurality of controllers and to send response data from the plurality of upper or lower controllers to the first control unit via the two-port memory.