CARMICHAEL RAISES ISLES ROYAL MAIL CONCERNS WITH MINISTER  

Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael has raised Isles concerns over the future of postal services with Ed Davey MP, Minister for Postal Affairs, after learning of plans that could give Royal Mail greater freedom to set prices for deliveries. During discussions on how best to boost efficiency in postal services, one option proposed by Ofcom was to give Royal Mail full commercial freedom to determine contracts with large companies and other postal providers. During a consultation on these plans, some observers noted that this could potentially lead to higher prices in hard-to-reach locations. In a letter to Mr Davey, Mr Carmichael expressed concern over the possible impact that an increase in delivery charges could have on small businesses in the Northern Isles. Commenting, Mr Carmichael said:‘It has been clear for some time that the Royal Mail is facing significant financial problems,...