§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry under what legislation the Post Office is required to deliver election addresses free of charge at general elections; what the cost of delivery was at the last general election(a) in each constituency and (b) in total; and by whom those costs are met. [87342]
§ Mr. Timms[holding answer 16 December 2002]: A candidate's right to send election address post free is provided for in Section 91 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 as amended by paragraph 17 of Schedule 8 to the Postal Services Act 2000. Section 91 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 entitles a candidate at a parliamentary election (subject to such reasonable terms and conditions as the universal service provider may specify) to send free of any charge certain specified postal communications to each elector. Cost is a matter that falls within the day-to-day responsibility of Royal Mail Group plc and I have therefore asked the Chairman to reply direct to the hon. Member.