Written question asked by Lord Brady of Altrincham (Conservative) on Tuesday, 28 July 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 31 July 1998. It was answered by Lord Mandelson (Labour) on Friday, 31 July 1998 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will comment on the future of Parcel Force. - Includes ref to 310 c63W , 6 April 1998.

Answer: Mr. Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the future of Parcelforce. [54243] Mr. Mandelson: As my right hon. Friend the President of the Council announced on 6 April 1998, Official Report, column 63, the Government are committed to the Post Office remaining in the public sector. Against that background, the Government are reviewing the Post Office's organisation, structure and financing with a view to ensuring that the Post Office can be given greater commercial freedom to enable it to compete effectively in the UK and overseas. The review includes consideration of the future status of Parcelforce, and the potential for its return to profitability

Secondary information