§ Mr. BowisTo ask the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to publish his response to the European Green Paper on Post.
§ Mr. LeighFollowing wide-ranging consultations on the Green Paper, the Government are completing a detailed response which will shortly be put to the European Commission. I will at that time arrange for a copy to be placed in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. BowisTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what consideration he has given to maintaining current exemptions from the provisions of(a) road traffic, (b) customs and excise and (c) health and safety legislation for the Post Office after privatisation.
§ Mr. LeighNo decision has been taken as to whether to privatise the Post Office. If such a decision where made, these matters would need to be considered in detail.