At yesterday’s announcement of parliamentary business, there was again no mention of the Postal Services Bill, which means it is very doubtful that the Bill will receive its second reading next week (or the week after).

Alan Duncan, Shadow Leader of the House, asked if the Bill had been lost in the post (I wonder how many post-related puns we can collectively come up with). Harriet Harman, responding, said that space in the parliamentary timetable had to be made to fit in three days of debate on the Parliamentary Standards Bill. It was interesting to note that Ms Harman failed to take the opportunity to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to the Bill (something which they have been quick to do until recently).

So, once again, all interested stakeholders are left waiting to find out what is going to happen to one of the most contentious pieces of legislation in recent years. Between now and 21 July (when the House rises for its summer recess), there are just 15 days left of parliamentary business. Even an optimist would struggle to see the Bill completing its passage, receiving Royal Assent and becoming an Act, given the tight timescale.

Talking to stakeholders, one feeling comes across more than any other; that of frustration. It’s hard not to share this feeling and I expect at Postcomm and Ofcom (who will take over postal regulation if the Bill goes through as it currently stands), this sentiment is shared.

Next week, the Prime Minister will set out his draft legislative programme (his last before an election). This announcement will be understandably scrutinised in infinitesimal detail and all sorts of conclusions will no doubt be reached. However, for those with an interest in this Bill, which will affect the way that post is delivered to the 28 million business and residential addresses in the UK, clarity about current legislation would be preferred. Hearing the answer to the question ‘is the Government committed to the PSB or not?’ would be greatly appreciated.

Tags: parliament, postal services bill

This entry was posted on Friday, June 26th, 2009 at 12:47 pm and is filed under Private Sector. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.