PARCEL SURCHARGES FOR THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS

That this House deplores the extra burden placed on people living in the Highlands and Islands by companies imposing excessive and discriminatory delivery charges; notes that it is unnecessary for businesses to levy these high charges because the Royal Mail Parcel Service delivers goods at a standard rate throughout the UK, including Scotland's island communities; further notes that this practice has developed since the deregulation of the parcel post market in the 1990s; and calls on the Government to prohibit businesses from refusing to deliver to certain parts of the UK and to place an obligation on companies to use the most affordable delivery method when it is requested by customers.