Reply from my MP

[Big Daz]

Thank_You for your recent emaiLconcerning the future of the Royal Mail.
As you will have noted, the Conservative Party welcomed the publication of
the Hooper review and we agree with its central theme that change within
Royal Mail is vital.
On ownership, our position is that a change to the ownership structure of Royal
Mail which would include part privatisation may have merits depending on the
wider circumstances of the proposals.
I was very pleased to see that the CWU endorses the call for a new relationship
with management and is prepared to negotiate an agreement that would support
modernisation of the industry. We also recognise that whether or not a form of
privatisation takes place, vital issues such as equipment modernisation, falling
post usage, maintenance of the universal service obligation, safeguarding of the
postal network and the pensions deficit, will all need to be dealt with.
We are very concerned at the lack of progress on these issues during the current
Government's period in office and we share your concerns that the issue of
privatisation should not be used as a format for overlooking the key underlying
__ issues which Royal Mail needs to face up-to in any eve-nt. ~
To that extent, whilst we have no objection to privatisation conceptually, the
Conservative Party will certainly not be offering the Government unconditional
support for its proposals. I can confirm that my colleagues and I will be
reviewing the overall package most carefully to ensure that we retain a strong
and sustainable postal service.
Yours sincerely,