ZONAL POSTAL CHARGING IN THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS

Early day motion 1594, tabled 4 June 2007 by Danny Alexander (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 47 members.

That this House notes with deep concern the common industry practice of applying a surcharge on the delivery of parcels in the north of Scotland; believes that this is discriminatory and unfair to consumers and businesses in the North; notes with further concern the application by Royal Mail to charge different prices for business mail depending on where in the UK their mail is delivered; believes that, if granted by Postcomm, the move by Royal Mail could pave the way for future attempts to undermine the Universal Service Obligation; welcomes the extension of the Postcomm consultation on zonal charging to 1st June 2007; and believes that the Universal Service Obligation, providing equal access to the postal system regardless of location, is an essential part of the postal system and that any attempt to erode it must be rejected.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 29, Labour 8, Scottish National Party 3, DUP 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Conservative 1, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1.