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Postal Services Bill

My Lords, I am very grateful to all those who have taken part in the debate on this group of amendments. I think particularly of the three amendments spoken to by the noble Viscount, Lord Tenby, and the noble Lord, Lord Laming. Their comments have shown very clearly how important the universal service provisions are to this House and to the general public. That also came through very clearly in the two amendments spoken to by the noble Lord, Lord Laird. I am sure that the Government will take on board that such concerns are at the forefront of everyone’s minds, and indeed that was set out very firmly by my noble friend on the Front Bench. I am prompted to make only one short reflection. If the provision of that service does not produce a positive cash flow—I use that expression rather than talk about profits—we may well find ourselves returning to the subject again. We all fervently hope that the Bill will turn into an Act and that the subject does not recur—at least, not for very many years to come. I think we would all agree that we have received the reassurances for which we were looking, and I therefore have much pleasure in begging leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 24HZA withdrawn. Amendment 24HA had been withdrawn from the Marshalled List. Amendment 24J not moved. Clause 29 agreed. Clauses 30 to 32 agreed. Clause 33 : Review of minimum requirements Clause 33 : Review of minimum requirements Amendment 24K not moved. Amendment 24KA had been withdrawn from the Marshalled List. Amendments 24L and 24LZA not moved. Amendment 24LA had been withdrawn from the Marshalled List. Amendments 24M and 24N not moved. Clause 33 agreed. Clause 34 : Designation of universal service providers Amendment 24NZA Clause 34 : Designation of universal service providers Amendment 24NZA Moved by