COST OF PARCEL POST DELIVERIES TO THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS

Early day motion 528, tabled 18 December 2006 by Alistair Carmichael (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 32 members.

That this House deplores the extra burden placed on people living in the Highlands and Islands by companies imposing excessive and discriminatory delivery charges; notes that it is unnecessary for businesses to levy these high charges because the Royal Mail Parcel Service delivers goods at a standard rate throughout the UK, including Scotland's island communities; further notes that this practice has developed since the deregulation of the parcel post market in the 1990s; and calls on the Government to prohibit businesses from refusing to deliver to certain parts of the UK and place an obligation on companies to use the most affordable delivery method when it is requested by customers.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 13, Labour 10, Conservative 2, DUP 2, Scottish National Party 2, Plaid Cymru 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1, UUP 1.