HC Deb 03 February 1994 vol 236 cc813-4W
Mr. Hain

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the cost to the Post Office of establishing Parcelforce as a separate business(a) in total, (b) for its Milton Keynes headquarters and (c) for new distribution and sorting depots.

Mr. McLoughlin

The establishment of a separate parcels operating unit within the Post Office has been taking place gradually since 1986, to improve efficiency and allow each of the main businesses to focus on its particular market. Details of the costs involved are commercially confidential; however, all Parcelforce investment projects are required to meet standard public sector investment criteria.