To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals have emerged from the European Economic Community Commission on the establishment of a European postal monopoly; what assessment has been made of the implications for the United Kingdom and for private delivery services; and if he will make a statement.

Discussions on postal policy in Europe are taking place in Brussels between member states and the European Commission but no proposals have yet been made by the Commission and it is too early to speculate what the implications might be for the United Kingdom and for private delivery services. I understand that the Commission intends to publish a Green Paper in June.