Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Bridgen Excerpts
Thursday 18th July 2013

(11 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Michael Fallon Portrait Michael Fallon
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Parliament has already decided that Royal Mail should have access to private capital. We are implementing that decision of Parliament, and the decision to put 10% of the shares in the hands of the employees. The level of service is protected under the Postal Services Act 2011, and any change in ownership does not affect control over the price of stamps or the future of the six-days-a-week service.

Andrew Bridgen Portrait Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con)
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It is clear that there are none so deaf as those who do not want to hear. My right hon. Friend has stated on many occasions—but perhaps he will reiterate it for the benefit of the House—that, regardless of ownership, Royal Mail will remain the designated universal service provider.

Michael Fallon Portrait Michael Fallon
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Yes, and my hon. Friend need not take my word for that. It is in the statute. It is a duty of the regulator, Ofcom, to ensure that the service is protected, and that can only be changed by a vote in Parliament.