§ Mr. HillTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if, in the light of its profits before taxation in the last financial year, he will make a statement on whether there are any plans for privatising the Post Office.
§ Mr. ForthIt is the Government's view that there are significant benefits to be gained in transferring activities from the public to the private sector. We have made it clear that because of its special character we have no intention of privatising the Royal Mail. But we do not rule out other parts of the Post Office as possible candidates for privatisation. My right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Rushcliffe (Mr. Clarke) announced that the Post Office would be selling Girobank on 7 June. We have not made any further decisions about privatisation.