NEWSPAPER REGISTRATION SERVICE

Early day motion 1250, tabled 20 May 2004 by Michael Connarty (Labour). Signed by 58 members.

That this House views with deep concern the stated intention of Royal Mail to end the Newspaper Registration Service, whereby registered newspapers are offered a first class delivery service for the payment of a second class fee; recognises the contribution to the educational and democratic fabric of British society offered by such a service; and calls on the Government, who are still the majority owners of the Post Office, to show its commitment to such a valuable communications service for so many citizens and make it clear to Royal Mail that it views the Newspaper Registration Service as one that should not be sacrificed as part of the Royal Mail's interpretation of the commercial freedom it has been given by Parliament.

Signatures by party: Labour 37, Liberal Democrat 6, Labour/Co-operative 4, DUP 3, Plaid Cymru 3, Scottish National Party 2, UUP 2, Conservative 1.