HC Deb 07 July 1981 vol 8 c377

Lords amendment: No. 56, in page 58, line 34, at end insert— (1A) For the purposes of an order made under this section, any definition of a class of letters may be framed by reference to any circumstances whatever; and in this subsection "letter" has the same meaning as in section 66.

Mr. Michael Marshall

I beg to move, That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said amendment.

Subsection (1) empowers the Secretary of State to suspend the postal monopoly for such period and to such extent as he may specify. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has said that he may use this power to suspend the monopoly entirely or in respect of a particular geographical area or in respect of a particular class of letters. In particular, he intends to use the power to suspend the monopoly in respect of time-sensitive/ valuable—that is express—letters and he has said that he will require all carriers of such letters to charge a minimum fee of £1 per item. The amendment puts beyond any doubt that the power can be used in this way.

Question put and agreed to.

Forward to