HC Deb 29 October 1992 vol 212 c782W
Mr. Hain

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what level of VAT will be charged to customers of the Post Office's Parcelforce business following privatisation.

Mr. Leigh

Following my right hon. Friend's announcement on 15 July of his intention to privatise Parcelforce, VAT is one of the many issues which is being looked at.

Mr. Fatchett

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what amount his Department took into account of the likely effects of the loss of value added tax exempt status before announcing plans to privatise Parcelforce; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Leigh

My right hon. Friend's announcement to the House on 15 July was of his intention to privatise Parcelforce and took account of the key issues involved in that decision. Detailed work is now under way to establish the best way to privatise Parcelforce.

Mr. Bowis

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received on the competitive framework for Parcelforce following privatisation.

Mr. Leigh

[holding answer 28 October 1992]: As would be expected with a planned privatisation, a number of interested parties have made their views known to the Department on a wide range of issues. All such points are being given full consideration in the current study into the method of timing of sale.