Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Graeme Morrice and Chris Williamson

Thursday 18th July 2013 Commons Chamber

[Graeme Morrice (Livingston) (Lab)]

5. What steps he is taking to protect the universal service obligation under plans for the privatisation of Royal Mail.

[Chris Williamson (Derby North) (Lab)]

12. What steps he is taking to protect the universal service obligation under plans for the privatisation of Royal Mail.

[The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Michael Fallon)]

The Government’s overarching objective is to secure the future of the universal postal service. The minimum requirements of the universal service are enshrined in primary legislation, which means that the six-days-a-week, one-price-goes-anywhere service to every address in the United Kingdom can only be amended by Parliament. That protection will continue to apply following any sale of shares in Royal Mail.