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Postal Services Bill [HL]

Having dealt with paragraph (b), I turn to the interaction between that paragraph and paragraph (c). Paragraph (b) sets more or less objective criteria on which a service falls within the scope. Paragraph (c) allows Ofcom to assess whether a service falls within the scope on the basis of its interchangeability. Our next group of amendments looks at the basis on which it makes that assessment, so I shall leave my concerns about that until then. However, the current drafting appears to ensure that a service must be considered as within the scope if it fulfils paragraph (b), even if Ofcom does not consider it interchangeable. It is entirely automatic; even if Ofcom does not think that it is interchangeable—perhaps the service operates only one day a week—this clause requires Ofcom to consider it as within scope. I cannot believe that that is the Government’s intention, and I look forward to reassurance from the Secretary of State. I beg to move.