It should a level playing field for all

Jan 7 2009 Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

SIR - The Royal Mail is putting up the cost of sending a letter by 3p to 39p, and 30p, in April.

If the EU did not dictate its terms of dealing with the various companies who undermine it in the profitable business then the Royal Mail would be a lot better off.

These firms under-cut Royal Mail and then deliver the palates of mail to RM sorting offices and, by some marvel of EU accounting, RM can only charge 12p per letter at present to deliver said mail all over the country.

In other words, we the public paying 36p and 27p at present are subsidising said private companies’ profits, while having to stand good as taxpayers any losses incurred by Royal Mail.

At least these companies undercutting Royal Mail’s bulk mail price should have to deliver it. It should be a level playing field for all.

Peter Mandelson insisted these terms as EU Trade Commissioner. Now he is starting to flog off the Royal Mail as our supposed Business and Enterprise Minister. The public cannot even unseat him at an election for his transgressions against the British people’s interests.

Eric R.S.Davidson, Bruce Street, Banffshire.