§ Sir Sydney ChapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the total expenditure by the Post Office Users' National Council was in the financial years(a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98, (c) 1998–99 and (d) 1999–2000; what the total budgeted expenditure by the Post Office Users' National Council was in 2000–01; and what the total expenditure requested by Postwatch is for 2001–02. [156273]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 30 March 2001]The Annual Reports of the Post Office Users' National Council (excluding the Post Office Users' Councils for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) show total expenditure of:
Year £ 1996–97 386,133 1997–98 402,711 1998–99 652,907 1999–2000 785,353 The Post Office Users' National Council's Annual Report for financial year 2000–01 will be laid before Parliament in the usual way in the summer.
I have agreed a budget of £6.9 million for Postwatch for financial year 2001–02. This includes provision for Postwatch's regional structure including its new regional committees in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.