§ Mrs. BrowningTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what representations Her Majesty's Government made at the Lisbon Council concerning liberalisation of postal markets; [125563]
(2) if it is his policy to support the timescale for liberalisation of postal markets proposed by the European Commission; and if he will make a statement; [125599]
(3) what assessment he has made of the effect the liberalisation of postal markets, agreed at the Lisbon Council, will have on the Universal Service Obligation. [125597]
§ Mr. ByersThe Government strongly supported the Lisbon agreement on the need to speed up liberalisation in areas such postal services. That is why we have made it a priority for the new postal regulator, the Postal Services Commission, to come forward with proposals for liberalisation in the context of maintaining the universal service. That is also why we have supported a process of phased liberalisation of the postal services market in Europe. The European Commission has now agreed and will shortly publish a new proposal proposing a framework for the scope and timing of the next phase of postal liberalisation. There can now be a substantive discussion, between the member states and the Commission, about the issues the proposal raises. In the 465W UK, we have a commitment to consult with the Postal Services Commission and with other interested parties in reaching a view. Our key objective in considering this issue is to promote the interest of consumers and to ensure the maintenance of the universal service. We should oppose measures which put at risk the universal service.
§ Mrs. BrowningTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if it is his policy to support a levy on postal service licence holders to create a fund to support the universal service obligation. [125596]