§ Ms. Janet AndersonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what discussions he has had with Post Office Counters Ltd. about the method of payment of pensions and benefits following privatisation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeighNo decision has been made to privatise Post Office Counters Ltd. and the Post Office review is considering both public and private sector options. A statement will be made to the House in due course. In the meantime, I continue to have regular discussions with senior Post Office management on a wide range of issues.
§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what consideration has been given to the retention of Post Office Counters in the public sector following privatisation of the rest of the Post Office.
§ Mr. LeighWith the exception of Parcelforce, no decision has been made on whether to privatise any part of the Post Office. Within the Post Office review, we are considering private and public sector options.