HC Deb 10 December 1992 vol 215 cc744-5W
Mr. Welsh

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received on the future of Post Office services; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Leigh

I have received a number of representations from interested parties and the general public on the future of Post Office services.

I have held, or am due to hold, meetings with the following in connection with the review of the structure and organisation of the Post Office: the Post Office, the Post Office Users National Council, Union of Communication Workers, National Communications Union, Communications Managers Association, National Union of Civil and Public Servants, Post Office Unions Council, the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters, the Association of International Courier and Express Services, TNT Express (UK), DHL International (UK) Ltd., Securicor Omega Express, Britdoc, Mail Users Association, Direct Marketing Association, Periodical Publishers Association, British Printing Industries Federation, European Mail and Express Services Users Association.

In addition, my officials and consultants appointed to advise the Government have met Business Post, Electronic Equipment Association, Mail Order Traders Association, BT, Girobank and other Government Departments.

Mr. Welsh

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he intends to complete the review of the organisation and structure of the Post Office and to publish his recommendations.

Mr. Leigh

Work is continuing on the Post Office review. No date for completion has been set. The Government will announce their conclusions in due course.

Mr. Welsh

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received on the Green Paper on the development of the single market for postal services; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Leigh

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Gloucester (Mr. French) on 18 November,Official Report, column 226.

Mr. Hain

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what reasons underlie the increase in the Post Office's negative external financial limit from 1992–93 to 1993–94; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Leigh

At a time when there is very great pressure on the public sector borrowing requirement, it is reasonable that the Government should look for a higher level of return from the Post Office.