Post Office

HC Deb 14 May 1998 vol 312 cc184-5W

23. Mrs. May

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the timetable for the second phase of the Post Office review. [40975]

Mr. Ian McCartney

My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade announced the second phase of the inter-departmental review on 6 April 1998,Official Report, column 63. We plan to present our proposals to Parliament in the Autumn.

25. Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what are the Government's plans for the future of the Post Office. [40977]

Mr. Ian McCartney

The Government plan to give the Post Office greater commercial freedom so that it can meet changes in the domestic and international markets. The Government have commissioned a review of public sector options for achieving this.

34. Mr. Page

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to facilitate the international competitiveness of the Royal Mail. [40988]

Mr. Ian McCartney

The Government have commissioned a review of possible public sector options for giving the Post Office greater commercial freedoms to help meet changes in the domestic and international markets and enhance its international competitiveness. Our conclusions will be presented to Parliament in the Autumn.