§ Mr. Tony Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give the external financing limit for 1985–86 for the Post Office, and the increase for 1986–87; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PattieThe negative external financing limit for the Post Office for 1985–86 is £70 million and for 1986–87 will be £93 million. Further details are given in paragraphs 58-67 and tables 5.4 and 5.5 of the public expenditure White Paper (Cmnd. 9702-II).
§ Mr. Tony Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he made any assessment of the impact of an increase in the external financing limited for the Post Office on prices and service levels.
§ Mr. PattieIn fixing the Post Office's external financing limit my right hon. and learned Friend takes into account a number of factors including the Post Office's plans for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations and its assumption about the general level of its tariffs.