Post Office

HC Deb 08 July 1997 vol 297 cc413-4W

Mrs. May

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what are the terms of reference given to those undertaking the review of the Post Office and the timetable set for the review; and what interim requirements have been set for the review. [7271]

Mr. Ian McCartney

The terms of reference for the review of the Post Office are to identify practical options for introducing greater commercial freedom in accordance with our election manifesto commitment. A scoping exercise is currently in progress to establish what changes can be introduced quickly and to set a timetable for addressing more complex issues. I hope to announce the results of the initial exercise in the Autumn.

Mrs. May

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she expects the review of the Post Office to be completed. [7270]

Mr. McCartney

We are aiming to make good progress but it is too early yet to say when the review will be completed.