My BERR colleague, Stephen Timms, wrote to you on 4 October 2007[22] to inform you of the outcome of discussions on postal liberalisation at the 1 October Telecoms Council in Luxembourg, at which I represented the UK.

I am pleased to say that the Council has now adopted a first reading Common Position with a view to the adoption of a Directive for the full accomplishment of the internal market of Community postal services.

  This was followed on 9 November by a Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament in support of the Common Position adopted by the Council. Copies of both documents are enclosed with this letter.

  Progress on this dossier is to be welcomed, as the current text not only sets firm dates for the accomplishment of a single European market in postal services, but also ensures a level regulatory playing-field which will enable the development of competition for the benefit of consumers.

  The European Parliament's Transport Committee, which has lead responsibility on postal issues, considered the text on 20 November and there is no evidence from the debate of substantive opposition to the key issues of commitment to market liberalisation, and development of a competitive market.

  A second reading plenary is due for the end of January 2008, and there are grounds for optimism in anticipating adoption of the text without substantive amendment.

  I shall write to you again in the New Year to report on progress.

27 November 2007