Written question asked by Nick Hawkins (Conservative) on Wednesday, 15 January 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 January 2003. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Monday, 20 January 2003 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 she will list (a) the losses, broken down by operational activity, for (i) Royal Mail, (ii) Parcelforce and (iii) Post Office Counters, and (b) non-operational charges, broken down by (A) write-offs and (B) pension costs at (1) Royal Mail, (2) Parcelforce and (3) Post Office Counters. - Includes table and fact that it is not possible to provide more detailed figures as these are commercially confidential. Also the information requested on write-offs and pension costs, will write as soon as available and place copy in Library.

Answer: Mr. Hawkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list (a) the losses, broken down by operational activity, for (i) Royal Mail, (ii) Parcelforce and (iii) Post Office Counters, and (b) non-operational charges, broken down by (A) write- offs and (B) pension costs at (1) Royal Mail, (2) Parcelforce and (3) Post Office Counters. [91938] Mr. Timms: Losses for Royal Mail, Parcel Force and Post Office Counters in 2001-02 are set out in the following table. _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Losses from: Losses from operations Exceptional costs Losses after exceptional items before tax UK Mails 74 74 148 UK Parcels 94 397 491 Post Office Ltd. 163 78 241 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. It is not possible to provide more detailed figures as these are commercially confidential. The Department's officials are working with Royal Mail to provide the information requested on write-offs and pension costs. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as this is available, and place a copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 91938; 398 c10-1W;398 c11W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Companies Finance Expenditure Economic situation Pensions Postal services Royal Mail Post Office Counters Parcelforce
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk