Written question asked by Tim Yeo (Conservative) on Thursday, 5 December 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 17 December 2002. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 December 2002 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, how much the accumulated surpluses of Royal Mail Holdings were and how much were paid (a) in and (b) out of the surplus in each year since its formation. - Including table.

Answer: Mr. Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much the accumulated surpluses of Royal Mail Holdings were and how much were paid (a) in and (b) out of the surplus in each year since its formation. [86451] Ms Hewitt: The company that is now known as Royal Mail Holdings plc was incorporated on 20 September 2000. It acquired all the shares in what was then Consignia plc on 26 March 2001. Movements in the accumulated surpluses during financial periods since that date are shown in the table. _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Reduction in surplus (reserves) Accumulated surpluses (reserves) 26 March 2001 + 3,299 Ç 953 31 March 2002 + + 2,346 Ç 478 29 September 2002 + 1,868 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Note: The reductions in the accumulated surpluses were due to exceptional items.

Secondary information