§ Sir Sydney Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will provide the combined total expenditure of the Post Office Users' National Council in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland for the financial years (a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000; what this year's budget will be for postwatch and projections for the next three years; and if she will list the elements of unplanned outturn in (a), (b) and (c). [16280]
301W§ Mr. Alexander[holding answer 20 November 2001]Historical information in respect of the financial years 1997–98; 1998–99 and 1999–2000 for the Post Office Users' Councils in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland can be found in the annual reports for those years in question. The annual reports were placed in the Libraries of both Houses. Information in respect of the Post Office Users' National Council was contained in the answer on 4 December 2001,Official Report, column 149W.
The Consumer Council for Postal Services (known as Postwatch) was established to fulfil an important role in the new postal regulatory framework. It has wider statutory obligations and powers than POUNC and a more extensive regional structure. When considering Postwatch's budget we wish to ensure that Postwatch has sufficient funds to fulfil its role effectively.
We have agreed a total budget of £7.8 million for Postwatch for the financial year 2001–02. The sum initially agreed for Postwatch for this financial year (£6.9 million) has recently been increased by £0.9 million in light of special circumstances associated with establishing a new organisation within a new regulatory framework.
The figures on planned expenditure on Postwatch for the two financial years 2002–03 and 2003–04 are provisional and may be subject to adjustment with ministerial approval. This Department has not yet received from Postwatch a detailed bid for the financial year 2002–03 but we will consider the bid on its merits.