HC Deb 26 March 2002 vol 382 cc797-8W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she is taking to ensure Postcomm consults all local authorities on its proposals to increase competition in postal services; and if she will make a statement. [45953]

Mr. Alexander

I refer my hon. Friend to answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Morecambe and Lunesdale (Geraldine L Smith) on 26 March 2002 PQ No. 46321.

Geraldine Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of Postcomm proposals for Consignia and the introduction of competition into postal markets ahead of European proposals. [46230]

Mr. Alexander

[holding answer 25 March 2002]: The Government's priority is to ensure the universal postal service and this is Postcomm's primary statutory duty. In exercising its functions Postcomm must act in accordance with its primary and other statutory duties including compliance with EU obligations.

Currently EU legislation allows member states to reserve certain mail services to universal service providers but only to the extent necessary to maintain the universal service. There are maximum limits to the services that may be reserved; but there is no minimum and some EU countries have determined either that they no longer need to reserve services or that the level of service they need to reserve is lower than the maximum limits.

Discussions are in progress to amend the current European Postal Directive with regard to the further opening to competition of Community postal services and when the new Directive is adopted the Government will consider with interested parties what action is necessary for its transposition in the United Kingdom.

Geraldine Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what previous experience Postcomm commissioners have regarding postal services in the United Kingdom. [46251]

Mr. Alexander

[holding answer 25 March 2002]: Postcomm was the first body to have a collegiate approach to regulation in the UK. This approach aims to de-personalise regulation and bring a greater range of expertise to bear on regulatory decisions. The experience of the Commissioners was outlined in a press release by this Department on 6 November 2000, copies of which have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

Geraldine Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how the appointments for Postcomm commissioners were advertised; how many applications were received; who appointed the Postcomm commissioners; and what criteria were used for the appointments. [46252]

Mr. Alexander

[holding answer 25 March 2002]: The advertising, recruitment and appointments process was conducted by this Department in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry made the appointments.

Geraldine Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) which district councils and unitary authorities Postcomm have consulted regarding their proposals affecting Consignia; [46229]

(2) if Postcomm has consulted (a) the Steve King Orchestra, (b) Victoria's Jewellers, (c) Lancashire County Council, (d) Lancaster City Council and (e) hon. Members regarding their current proposals affecting Consignia; [46231]

(3) if Postcomm is consulting with selected local authorities on their proposals for Consignia. [46250]

Mr. Alexander

[holding answers 25 March 2002]: This is a matter for Postcomm. Interested parties who have concerns about the process or substance contained in the document Postcomm issued on Thursday 31 January should communicate these to Postcomm.

Geraldine Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if Postcomm has indicated to Consignia during the last 18 months that it would not allow an increase in the price of postage. [46249]

Mr. Alexander

[holding answer 25 March 2002]: On 10 April 2001 Postcomm received a request from the Royal Mail for increases in a wide range of postal rates including a penny on first and second class post. This request was made under provisions of the Consignia license. Consignia suspended that request on 19 June 2001.