§ 39. Mrs. Maureen HicksTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the future of the postal service monopoly.
§ Mr. ForthThe letter monopoly is a privilege, not a right. While we keep the options under review, there are no plans to end the letter monopoly at present, although in the event of serious disruption we would consider suspending it. The Government and the Post Office remain fully committed to the existence of a national letter service available to everyone, including those in rural areas, at a reasonable and uniform tariff.
§ 106. Mr. Allen AdamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he next intends to meet the chairman of the Post Office to discuss the future of the postal service.
§ Mr. ForthMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State expects to meet the chairman of the Post Office, Sir Bryan Nicholson, on 21 May. They will discuss matters of mutual interest.