Royal Mail

Cathy Jamieson Excerpts

Thursday 12th September 2013 Commons Chamber

[Michael Fallon]

Yes, I believe it will. It will give Royal Mail the chance to face its future not just with confidence but with access to capital markets and the commercial freedoms it needs to respond to new opportunities, particularly in a rapidly growing parcels market.

[Cathy Jamieson (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (Lab/Co-op)]

The Minister has repeatedly mentioned the cap on the cost of a stamp. Will he confirm that that relates only to second-class mail? Does he understand the concerns of many small businesses that rely on first-class mail, and what assurances can he give them?

[Michael Fallon]

There is a cap on the second-class stamp, and a provision that the first-class stamp must be affordable—something the regulator must keep a close eye on. It is not simply the second-class stamp.