§ Mrs. EllmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she was consulted on Royal Mail's proposal to withdraw air freight operations from Liverpool John Lennon airport; and if she will make a statement. [131476]
§ Mr. Timms[holding answer 14 October 2003]: DTI Ministers and officials meet representatives from the Royal Mail on a regular basis to discuss a wide range of issues, including the company's transport review.
Decisions about the future structure of the company's air freight operations is a matter for the Royal Mail Board. I understand that while the company has proposed the closure of its operations at John Lennon airport, the Communication Workers Union has asked 447W to put forward alternative proposals that could mean the retention of this site. Royal Mail has agreed to consider their proposals before any final decision is made.