asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the circumstances in which Mr. Bill Cockburn, executive Post Office board member for operations, accepted also a post as director of Vat Watkins Ltd.; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Cockburn accepted appointment to Vat Watkins Ltd. as a non-executive director after seeking my right hon. Friend's prior approval in accordance with schedule 1 to the Post Office Act 1969.