§ Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the operating profits were for the Post Office/Consignia in each of the last 20 years. [44776]
794W
§ Ms HewittThe operating profits figures for the Post Office/Consignia are set out in the company's Annual Report and Accounts. Since 1982 these have been:
Year £ Million 1981–82 90 1982–83 151 1983–84 131 1984–85 142 1985–86 141 1986–87 130 1987–88 171 1988–89 116 1989–90 78 1990–91 106 1991–92 250 1992–93 264 1993–94 300 1994–95 1461 1995–96 387 1996–97 481 1997–98 528 1998–99 394 1999–2000 381 2000–01 122 1 As restated. Note:
Profit figures do not include tax, interest, exceptional items or (after 1990–91) sale of assets.
§ Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions have taken place about the possible sale of Consignia Holdings plc or its component parts; and if she will make a statement. [44769]
§ Ms Hewitt[holding answer 21 March 2002]: There are no proposals to sell Consignia Holdings, its mail business, Parcelforce or the network of post offices.
Consignia was given commercial freedom by this Government in response to demands from the company and unions. It is therefore entirely logical that Consignia considers it commercial strategy, including relationships or ventures with other operators.
§ Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of first class letters reached their destination the day after posting in each of the last 20 years. [44788]
§ Ms HewittThis matter falls to the day to day responsibility of Consignia and I have therefore asked the Chief Executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.