To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the purchase by the Post Office of German Parcels requires clearance by European or UK regulatory or competition authorities. [66834]

[holding answer 21 January 1999]: I understand from the Post Office that all necessary clearances have been obtained.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what financial obligations have been incurred by the Post Office in its acquisition of and indirect stake in General Parcel arising from its purchase of German Parcels. [66835]

[holding answer 21 January 1999]: Through its acquisition of German Parcels, the Post Office has also acquired 23 per cent. of the shares in General Parcel. I understand that there are no material additional financial obligations directly resulting from that shareholding.