Written question asked by John Cummings (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 April 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 24 April 2009. It was answered by Pat McFadden (Labour) on Tuesday, 28 April 2009 on behalf of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.

Postal Workers

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what assessment has been made of the level of risk of anthrax infection to workers in Royal Mail postal sorting offices arising from terrorist action; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Central government departments and the emergency services work closely with Royal Mail to ensure that effective procedures and measures are in place for managing the risk to the company's staff and operations and to members of the wider public from chemical or biological agents in the postal system. Royal Mail ensures that the Communication Workers Union (CWU) and Unite are actively involved in the development and introduction of procedures and measures in support of its response capability.

Secondary information