Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Julian Smith Excerpts
Thursday 14th October 2010

(14 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Ed Davey Portrait Mr Davey
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I am sure that Royal Mail will again be in contact with the hon. Gentleman on those points, but he must tell his constituents that the experience of rationalising mail sorting centres has led not only to efficiency improvements that reduce the costs of sorting and delivering mail, but to an improvement in customer service to his constituents. If he wants quality and delivery to improve for his constituents, he should support that rationalisation.

Julian Smith Portrait Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con)
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May I urge the Minister to consult carefully with the remote businesses and communities of the Yorkshire dales which rely hugely on the Royal Mail to survive and conduct their business?

Ed Davey Portrait Mr Davey
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My hon. Friend is right that the Royal Mail needs to consider the interests of small and medium enterprises. Indeed, it is part of our approach in the Postal Services Bill to ensure that our new policy framework will do that. I hope that he will be reassured that experience of rationalising mail sorting centres has led to significant improvements to customer service.