§ 81. Mr. BowisTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he last consulted the chairman of the Post Office on the lifting or easing of the postal monopoly.
§ Mr. NewtonWe have not consulted the chairman of the Post Office on the lifting or easing of the postal monopoly since 1981. In 1981 the monopoly was suspended for 25 years to permit time-sensitive mail to be delivered by private carriers, provided that they charge a minimum fee of £1 per letter.