To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of the Department's mail is shipped using private companies; and what the cost was over 12 months. (102119)

The percentage of mail shipped using private companies is 11 per cent. This is made up of8 per cent. via a courier contract and 3 per cent. via alternative mail providers. The total expenditure over the last 12 months was £7.9 million.