Warning over postal services plan

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.snp.org/node/17121" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

SNP Postal Affairs spokesperson Mike Weir MP has condemned the coalition government’s rush to privatise postal services as the ‘wrong policy at the worst possible time’.

In a written statement, Liberal Democrat Minister Ed Davey indicated he was seeking an update of the Hooper report on Postal Services. Mr Weir who gave both verbal and written evidence to the original Hooper inquiry condemned the move.

Mr Weir said:

"Having campaigned to protect postal services before the election, we now have Liberal Democrats in government rushing to implement policies that will have a damaging effect on rural Scotland.

"The part privatisation of Royal Mail will inevitably lead to pressure on the universal service obligation which is so important to rural communities, many of which already have a reduced service.

"The previous Labour government had to withdraw similar proposals under public pressure, but the new coalition are clearly determined to resuscitate the privatisation plan.

"There is no logic behind these proposals. Royal Mail cannot be viewed as just another company. It provides an essential public service, especially to smaller communities and small businesses who do not have access to alternative carriers.

"This is the wrong policy being put in place at the worst possible time."