ROYAL MAIL GROUP PLC AND THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATION

Early day motion 272, tabled 7 June 2005 by Michael Weir (Scottish National Party). Signed by 39 members.

That this House is concerned that in its response to Postcomm's proposals for a price control regime Royal Mail Group plc has raised the possibility of being unable to retain the universal service obligation; notes that the obligation is essential to rural areas and that it should not be used as a weapon in an argument between the regulator and operator; and calls upon the Secretary of State for Trade and Indusry to state unambiguously that there are no circumstances in which the operator will be allowed to evade the obligation.

Signatures by party: Labour 17, Liberal Democrat 10, Scottish National Party 6, DUP 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Conservative 1, UUP 1.