HC Deb 15 February 1993 vol 219 cc12-3
27. Mr. Hain

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what progress has been achieved in implementing the citizens charter.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. William Waldegrave)

We have made good progress in implementing the charter. More than 90 per cent. of our initial commitments have been met or are in hand.

Mr. Hain

Will the Chancellor of the Duchy confirm that if the Government proceed with their plans to privatise Parcelforce and the Royal Mail sections of the Post Office, none of the quality of service, entitlements and obligations set out in the citizens charter will apply? Or was that the right hon. Gentleman's agenda all along?

Mr. Waldegrave

The hon. Gentleman, who is an expert in these matters, knows that no final decisions have been made. As in other private utilities, there is the regulator. The charter covers those utilities.

Ms. Mowlam

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that both he and the Prime Minister have emphasised, in relation to charters, the importance of prompt replies to correspondence? Goals have been set for British Telecom and British Gas, for example. What are the goals for the right hon. Gentleman's unit? I wrote on behalf of someone in Swanage, Dorset, and it took him two months to reply.

Mr. Waldegrave

I apologise for that—it was inadequate service. All Departments of Stale have published targets for answering their letters, and we should meet them.