Written question asked by Lord Cryer (Labour) on Thursday, 11 April 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 1 May 2002. It was answered by Douglas Alexander (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 May 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, whether her Department has had talks with the Dutch postal company TPG in the past year.

Answer: John Cryer: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether her Department has had talks with the Dutch postal company TPG in the past year. [49945] Mr. Alexander: The Department has met representatives of the Dutch postal company, TPG, on a limited number of occasions to examine specific aspects of a possible merger of Consignia's postal activities with them. No satisfactory agreement was reached between the companies on a merger and Ministers therefore agreed with the company that discussions should cease. Since the Government have given Consignia commercial freedom, within the public sector, it is entirely appropriate that Consignia has been considering its commercial strategy, including the possibility of relationships or joint ventures with other operators.

Secondary information