§ Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he can now announce the terms of reference of the committee to review the Post Office, the names of its chairman and members, and when a report can be expected.
§ Mr. VarleyI am glad to be able to announce that Mr. C. F. Carter, the Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University, has accepted my invitation to chair the Committee of Review. Hon. Members will be aware of Mr. Carter's qualities in the fields of economics and social studies that make him eminently suitable to undertake such a task. I hope to be able to announce the other members shortly.
The terms of reference of the Committee are:
To examine the performance and main features of the organisation of the Post Office and its use of its resources and assets; and to consider whether any changes would better enable it to perform its functions under the Post Office Act 1969.To assess the policies, prospects and social significance of the postal business, including 787W methods of financing it as a self-supporting public service.To consider whether the Post Office Act 1969 places undue restrictions on the activities of the Post Office; and to make recommendations.These terms, in the Government's view, allow the comprehensive review that POUNC envisaged. Everyone will agree that it is important to minimise the period of uncertainty the exercise is bound to create; but I think it is unlikely that an enquiry of this importance and complexity can be completed in under a year.