§ Mr. HarveyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact on(a) the viability of sub-post offices and (b) village economies of state pensions being paid directly into bank or building society accounts; and if he will make a statement. [55745]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyThe Department has made no such assessment but I can confirm that the Government remain committed to the maintenance of a nation-wide network of post offices and to a secure, convenient and cost-effective method of payment for all benefit recipients.
22W
Mr. John M. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals he has to improve(a) Post Office and (b) Royal Mail (i) efficiency and (ii) levels of service. [55820]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyAny changes from the existing arrangements for improving the efficiency and quality of postal services will be announced in the context of the Government's decisions on the review of the Post Office.
Mr. John M. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the proportion of gross revenue(a) from the Post Office and (b) from the Royal Mail which goes directly to the Exchequer. [55822]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyThe External Finance Limit (EFL) target for 1997–98, achieved by the Post Office, was £313 million and represented 72 per cent. of post tax profits. The EFL relates to the Post Office as a whole and is not apportioned among its constituent businesses. In addition, the Post Office pays corporation tax on its profits.
Mr. John M. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what studies his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on postal services in other EU countries with particular reference to the effects of (i) total and (ii) partial privatisation. [55821]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyMy Department has not commissioned any specific studies of this kind. My officials have regular and frequent contact with their opposite numbers in other EU countries and beyond, and have considerable knowledge of postal structures and services in those countries, which has been reinforced with further material gathered in the course of the Post Office Review.