HC Deb 09 December 1993 vol 234 cc339-40W
Mr. Redmond

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the current members of POUNC for the south Yorkshire area; what were their qualifications; when their current term of office is due to expire; and when nominations to this organisation will next be advertised.

Mr. McLoughlin

The Post Office Act 1969, under which the Post Office Users National Council—POUNC —was set up, provides for the appointment of persons likely to be concerned with matters within the competence of the council. At the same time, it stipulates that regard should be given to the desirability of having members who are familiar with the special requirements and circumstances of particular parts of the British islands.

Within this framework, the interests of all users of post office services in the United Kingdom are represented on the council. There is no specific member for the south Yorkshire area. However, the interests of post office services users in the south Yorkshire area are also served by the appropriate non-statutory local post office advisory committees—POACs.

Several POUNC members' terms of appointment will expire at the end of 1994. In reviewing those appointments, consideration will be given to future representation in consultation, as appropriate.

Details of council membership, together with post office advisory committees are listed in POUNC annual reports, copies of which are sent to Members of Parliament on an individual basis.