THREAT TO UNIVERSAL POSTAL SERVICE AND POSTCOMM

Early day motion 797, tabled 4 February 2002 by Michael Connarty (Labour). Signed by 188 members.

That this House is concerned that Postcomm's recent proposals for postal competition will threaten the provision of a universal postal service; recalls that the primary responsibility of the postal regulator as set out in the Postal Services Act 2000 is to exercise its functions to ensure the provision of that universal postal service; is further concerned that Postcomm's obsession with an accelerated opening of the postal market to private sector exploitation to a much greater level and to a degree that is far in advance of that called for in the relevant European Directive is driven by ideology regardless of the damage that will result to the universal postal service; and calls on the Government to reject the Postcomm proposals and support the management and workforce of Consignia in a balanced transition to new working arrangements that will allow Consignia to compete in a market opened up in line with the European directives while maintaining the universal postal service based on a UK-wide tariff for all households.

Signatures by party: Labour 145, Liberal Democrat 24, Labour/Co-operative 10, Plaid Cymru 3, Scottish National Party 3, Conservative 1, Independent 1, UUP 1.