HC Deb 16 December 1997 vol 303 c122W
Mr. Vaz

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what mechanisms are in place to oversee and regulate operational matters within the Post Office. [20944]

Mr. Ian McCartney

Responsibility for operational matters within the Post Office rests with the Board and management.

Mr. Vaz

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to review the arrangements for the regulation of the Post Office. [20945]

Mr. Ian McCartney

This issue will be considered in the context of our review of the Post Office.

Mrs. May

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the implications of the European Parliament and Council Directive on Common Rules for the Development of Community Postal Services and the Improvement of Quality of Service for the Post Office, and on the timetable for transposing the directive into United Kingdom law. [21110]

Mr. Ian McCartney

The Directive provides a regulatory framework for the development of European postal services and is expected to raise service standards and increase competition throughout the EU. Minimal change will be required from our efficient, low cost and profitable Post Office. The Directive must be transposed into UK law within one year of adoption.