§ Mr. John D. Grantasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications why Cooper Brothers, a firm of accountants, has now been appointed to investigate the forecast of future business made by the Post Office Corporation for its Giro service and to produce an independent 240W report on Giro's long-term viability; what are the full terms of reference for this new investigation; when its report is expected; if the report will be published; and what consultation he has had with staff side representatives in respect of this investigation.
§ Mr. ChatawayWith the agreement of the Post Office, I have retained Cooper Brothers to assist me in my review of the Giro service; it is not the practice to publish details of assignments of this kind, but I shall communicate the results of my review to the House in due course. Any consultation with the staff would be a management matter for the Post Office.