§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the future of the(a) the Post Office and (b) Parcelforce. [54655]
§ Mr. MandelsonAs announced by my right hon. Friend the President of the Council when President of the Board of Trade, on 6 April 1998,Official Report, column 63, the Government plan to give the Post Office greater commercial freedom so that it can meet the challenges of the domestic and international markets, and deliver improved efficiency, effectiveness and service standards. The Government commissioned a review of public sector options for achieving this. It encompasses consideration of Parcelforce. The review is proceeding apace and I hope to announce our proposals in the Autumn.