HC Deb 14 March 1996 vol 273 c703W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list those persons and categories of persons who are entitled to free postage. [20522]

Mr. Oppenheim

Royal Mail provides free postage to registered blind people, visually impaired people and individuals or organisations posting certain items to blind or visually impaired people. This service allows packets containing articles which have been specially produced or adapted for blind or visually impaired people to be sent by first class post, free of charge. Some members of the royal family receive free postage to assist them in carrying out their public duties. Petitions and addresses to Her Majesty's the Queen and either House of Parliament can also be forwarded free of postage.

Mr. Hain

To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of Thursday 25 January,Official Report, columns 317–18, what recent changes have been made to the list of members of the royal family and their households who receive free postage for their official mail. [20397]

Mr. Oppenheim

[holding answer 12 March 1996]: Since 1 March 1996 the Duchess of York and her staff have ceased to receive free postage.