CLARITY CALL IN POST OFFICE DEBATE

For immediate use: Tuesday 2 November 2010



Attn: NEWSDESKS


POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS


Speaking in a debate on the future of the Post Office network today


(Tuesday) SNP Business and Enterprise spokesperson Mike Weir MP warned that Royal Mail privatisation plans threatened the future of post offices and postal services and called for clarity over mutualisation proposals.


Mr Weir also urged UK Ministers to follow the lead of the Scottish Government, highlighting the business bonus scheme which provides rates relief and the Post Office diversification fund, as concrete examples of how relatively small sums of money can be utilised to help strengthen the post office network.


Speaking after the debate, Mr Weir said:


“The post office plays a vital part in the life of local communities, and the UK government needs to follow the lead of the Scottish Government and do much more to secure the future of the network in challenging times.


“While the UK government claims that there will be no more closure programmes, the fact is that the current privatisation plans threaten the future of deliveries, jobs and services.


“We need clarity from Ministers over the implications that the Postal Services Bill will have for the network and how, for example, plans for mutualism will work.


“With so many Post Offices interlinked with other businesses, for example, located in branches of supermarkets or newsagents, it is difficult to see how this diverse structure can easily work as a mutual organisation.


“The UK Government should follow the lead of the Scottish Government who are doing what they can to support the network through initiatives like the business bonus scheme to provide rates relief and the Post Office diversification fund. These are concrete examples of how relatively small sums of money can be utilised to help strengthen the post office network.”