SMITH: GOVERNMENT MUST NOT DELAY ON ROYAL MAIL ACTION

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 9th Jun 2009

West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP Sir Robert Smith has urged the Government not to delay plans for investing in the Royal Mail and bring forward plans to protect the Post Office network.

The Postal Services Bill completed its passage in the House of Lords on 20th May, but the Government has made no announcement on when it will be debated in the House of Commons. Sir Robert Smith reminded the Leader of the House, Harriet Harman MP, of the importance of the issue.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Sir Robert said:

"It is vital for the future of the Post Office and Royal Mail that the Government should come forward with proper and effective means of getting investment into those companies.

"However, we also need a Bill that protects the Post Office and ensures that after all the upheaval in the post office network, it is not further damaged by the Government."

Sir Robert later added:

"The current bill fails to protect the Post Office but inaction is not an option. The Government must allow us to debate and amend to ensure a future for the Royal Mail and Post Offices."