asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what criteria are used to select people for membership of the Post Office Users' National Council.

It is my right hon. Friend's policy to appoint members from as wide a range of experience and backgrounds as possible, giving due emphasis to those who can speak on behalf of the less advantaged sections of society. Members are selected entirely upon the basis of individual merit to give a balance of appropriate skills and interests.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection when he is going to appoint a successor to the late Lord Peddie to the Chairmanship of the Post Office Users' National Council.

My right hon. Friend hopes to make a statement very soon.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection for how many months the Post Office Users' National Council has been without a chairman.

The Post Office Users' National Council has been without a chairman for three and a half months.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if he has been satisfied with the effectiveness of the Post Office Users' National Council during its period without a chairman.

My right hon. Friend is satisfied that during the last few difficult months in the absence of a chairman, the acting chairman, members and staff of the Post Office Users' National Council have striven to maintain the high standards of public service that were set during the chairmanship of the late Lord Peddie.