§ 9. Mr. Doigasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will give a general direction to the Post Office to cease levying surcharges on gas and electricity bills paid in post offices.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Industry (Mr. Gregor Mackenzie)No, Sir. This is a matter for the Post Office.
§ Mr. DoigIs my hon. Friend aware that many people, including many of my constituents, will be disappointed with that answer, since no surcharge is made when these accounts are paid at trustee savings banks because trustee savings banks make private arrangements with the nationalised gas and electricity industries? Why cannot the Post Office do the same?
§ Mr. MackenzieI am sorry that my first answer at the Dispatch Box to one of my hon. Friends should be "No, Sir". However, I hope he will appreciate that concessions of the sort which he has suggested would be a matter for the Post Office. Also, the Post Office is not in competition with the banks. No doubt the Post Office will look at some of the matters raised by my hon. Friend.