HC Deb 03 December 2001 vol 376 cc48-9W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with Consignia on the proposal to charge customers for post and delivery before 9.30 am. [17421]

Mr. Alexander

[holding answer 26 November 2001]: The Department has regular discussions with Consignia about a range of strategic issues facing the company. However, ideas about altering charging or delivery arrangements are operational issues for the company provided that it remains within the terms of the licence issued to it by the Postal Services Commission.

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the proposed abolition of the second postal delivery. [17419]

Mr. Alexander

[holding answer 26 November 2001]: Consignia's proposals in relation to second delivery are operational issues for the company provided that it remains within the terms of the licence issued to it by the Postal Services Commission.

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with the management of Consignia on charging for the second postal delivery. [17420]

Mr. Alexander

[holding answer 26 November 2001]: The Department has regular discussions with Consignia about a range of strategic issues facing the company. Consignia's proposals in relation to the second postal delivery are operational issues for the company provided that it remains within the terms of the licence issued to it by the Postal Services Commission.

Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions she has had with Consignia; and if she raised the issue of industrial relations. [19470]

Mr. Alexander

[holding answer 30 November 2001]: The Department has regular discussions with Consignia about a range of strategic issues facing the company. The handling of industrial relations and the resolution of any disputes are issues for the management of the company and the unions. The Government have encouraged the management and unions to work in partnership to implement the recommendations in the Sawyer report published in July 2001. Progress has been encouraging but a lot more still needs to be done.

Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the Government's policy on the ending of the second post, with special reference to rural areas. [19471]

Mr. Alexander

[holding answer 30 November 2001]: Consignia's proposals in relation to the second delivery are operational issues for the company, subject to the regulatory powers and duties of the Postal Services Commission in respect of service standards.