Context
A constituent complained that a specific courier service would not deliver to his isolated property. This highlights the issue of geographic restrictions impacting delivery services.
Question
Whether she has had discussions with courier services on deliveries to isolated rural areas. A constituent who visited my surgery recently complained that one courier service in particular would not deliver to his isolated rural property. The choice of courier is, of course, currently a matter for retailers. Do the Government agree, though, that there is a case for saying that large retailers could offer the consumer the choice of which courier service should be used? That would empower consumers and hopefully improve performance via competition.
Answer from Kevin Hollinrake
The hon. Member raises a very important point. Competition plays a role in this, of course. It is absolutely right that retail business should look at this and try to get the lowest cost for their customers in terms of courier charges. It is, as he acknowledges, a commercial decision for individual retailers, but I absolutely applaud the points he raises. These businesses should be aware of those costs, because they can add significantly to the costs of the products they are selling.
Not addressed: Specific commitment or action to address courier service delivery issues in isolated rural areas was not provided
How: It Is A Commercial Decision For Individual Retailers
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