§ 8. Mr. Alasdair Morgan (Galloway and Upper Nithsdale)What discussions she has had with the Post Office regarding minority share sales. [40960]
§ The Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Mr. Ian McCartney)I have discussed with the Post Office our wish to give it the commercial freedom that it needs to meet changes in domestic and international markets. The Government have commissioned a review of possible options for achieving that, and the Post Office is closely involved in the work. A minority share sale is just one of the options for consideration.
§ Mr. MorganThe Minister is aware that the public are against privatisation of the Post Office, but is he aware that they will also be deeply sceptical about any move to sell shares in the Post Office? Is he prepared to put an upper limit on the percentage of shares to be sold, or—even better—will he rule out the option altogether?
§ Mr. McCartneyThe terms of reference are unequivocal. The Post Office will remain in the public sector, and will continue to provide a universal postal service under a uniform structure with a nationwide network of post offices. Privatisation is off the agenda: it is not part of the Government's policy. We have made it absolutely clear that we are seeking to create joint ventures involving the public and private sectors, and the creation of a public sector trust and an independent public corporation. A range of issues is being considered, and, when the issues have been considered, we will bring proposals before the House—probably in the autumn—to take the Post Office into the next century.
§ Mr. Desmond Swayne (New Forest, West)Is the Minister aware of the level of public disquiet already caused by competitive pressures, which has led to the extraordinary phenomenon of two public demonstrations 508 in New Milton regarding closure of Ashley Stores post office? Will he meet a delegation of my constituents to hear their concerns?
§ Mr. McCartneyI understand the hon. Gentleman's feelings. Thank goodness he has a Labour Government, who will save the Post Office from the damage caused by the last Government. If the hon. Gentleman will write to me about his case, I will be prepared to see him to discuss it, because I have an open-door policy. Let me make it absolutely clear that the Government are safeguarding the rural and urban network that the last Government wanted to privatise.