§ Lord Greavesasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether Postcomm's recent proposals for postal competition will threaten the provision of a universal postal service based on a standard United Kingdom-wide tariff; and, in the event that they affect the ability of Consignia to provide such a service while maintaining commercial viability, whether the shortfall will be met by government subsidy or an increase in postage rates. [HL3221]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Sainsbury of Turville)It is Postcomm's primary statutory duty to ensure the provision of a universal postal service at a tariff uniform throughout the UK.
Postcomm currently requires Consignia plc, in the licence, to provide a universal postal service. The licence provides that any proposals by Consignia for an increase in the price of first and second-class mail needs approval by Postcomm.
§ Lord Greavesasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the primary responsibility of Postcomm, laid down by the Postal Services Act 2000, is to ensure the provision of a universal postal service at a uniform tariff throughout the United Kingdom (HL3222)
§ Lord Sainsbury of TurvilleYes. Under the legislation Postcomm shall exercise its functions in the manner which it considers is best calculated to ensure the provision of a universal postal service.
§ Lord Greavesasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider it acceptable for residents in rural areas to have to collect their post from a central point in the locality such as a village post office instead of having it delivered to their door. (HL3223)
§ Lord Sainsbury of TurvilleThe Postal Services Act 2000 lays down the universal postal service includes the delivery each working day to the home or premises of every individual in the UK.
The legislation does provide for the possibility that some addresses will receive less than this but only in exceptional circumstances. Such exceptions must be justified and agreed with Postcomm.