SNP WARN OVER COALITION POSTAL PRIVATISTION PLAN

SNP WARN OVER COALITION POSTAL PRIVATISTION PLAN

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 today (Thursday) 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.”