HC Deb 10 June 2002 vol 386 cc972-3W
Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if Consignia has ended first collections in Epsom. [55573]

Mr. Timms

The universal postal service is enshrined in the Postal Services Act 2000. The obligation consists of a service provided at an affordable price determined by a public tariff uniform throughout the UK and includes the delivery each working day to the home or premises of every individual in the UK and a collection each working day from access points.

Currently Postcomm requires Consignia plc, in the licence, to provide a universal postal service. Subject to Consignia's universal service obligations, the number and timing of deliveries and collections is an operational issue for Consignia. As this is therefore a matter that falls within the day-to-day responsibility of Consignia I have asked the Consignia chief executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.