Written question asked by Tony Baldry (Conservative) on Thursday, 18 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 19 September 2002. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Thursday, 19 September 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, what recent representations she has received from the Periodical Publishers' Association on proposed changes in the charging system for postage of periodicals. - Inc ref to Postal Services Act 2001.

Answer: Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations she has received from the Periodical Publishers' Association on proposed changes in the charging system for postage of periodicals. [72084] Stephen Timms: The Periodical Publisher's Association wrote to me on 19 July. Changes to the charging system for postage are a commercial matter for Consignia within the regulatory framework laid down in the Postal Services Act 2001. I understand that the Association is in discussion with the company on this issue. Consignia undertook the consultation with customers and trade associations about the introduction of a new pricing system which takes into account the size of an item and I understand that the company is now assessing the responses to the consultation. If the company does wish to proceed, it will make a submission to the Postal Services Commission and the postal consumer body, Postwatch. The Commission will have to approve any proposals and will follow their own consultation process before agreeing to any major changes in the way mail is priced.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 72084; 390 c160W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Fees and charges Postal services Postage stamps Serials Periodical Publishers Association
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk