Asked by: Lord Pack (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to Written Answer by Baroness Lloyd of Effra on 28 January (HL13712) and Ofcom's statement in the 2013 Postcode Address File Review that "The decision as to whether to make PAF an open dataset is one for Government to take", what steps they are taking to consult on and review the current status of the Postcode Address File as a closed dataset, and which Minister is responsible for this work.
Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The Postcode Address File is a privately-owned dataset. This was a decision taken as part of the privatisation of Royal Mail in 2013.
The Secretary of State for Business and Trade owns the responsibility for postal services legislation. Section 116 of the Postal Services Act 2000 requires the owner of the Postcode Address File to make it available to those who wish to use it, on reasonable terms. It also requires the owner to maintain it.
Asked by: Lord Pack (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to change the current arrangements for licensing and accessing the postcode address file; and what assessment they have made of the impact this may have on economic growth.
Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The Postcode Address File is owned by Royal Mail. Royal Mail’s terms of access to the Postcode Address File are regulated by Ofcom, the independent regulator for postal services. Ofcom requires Royal Mail to provide access to the Postcode Address File on reasonable terms. Royal Mail provides free access to small charities and microbusinesses in their first year.