Universal Postal Service

Debate between Lord Hain and Baroness Clark of Kilwinning

Thursday 17th July 2014 Commons Chamber

[Katy Clark]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Many predicted that we would face this problem. Indeed, we are here to give a warning that it is already beginning to happen and that action is necessary now—we do not have time to wait. He is absolutely correct that that action is required whether Royal Mail is in the public sector or the private sector—given that most of it is not held by the Government or the work force.

[Mr Peter Hain (Neath) (Lab)]

I very much support my hon. Friend’s argument. I wonder whether, early in the morning a couple of weeks ago, she heard the interview on Radio 4’s “Today” programme with a business analyst who predicted the end of the universal door-to-door service because, he said, it will be impossible for Royal Mail, faced with this unfair competition, to sustain it. The universal service exists in statute, but does she agree that it is not specified what that means? It could mean collection from a central collection point, not delivery door to door.

Postal Services (Rural Areas)

Debate between Lord Hain and Baroness Clark of Kilwinning

Monday 2nd September 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hain]

rose—

[Katy Clark]

rose—