I AM writing to raise my concerns on the latest disposal of Royal Mail shares along with the future disposal of shares. I am concerned about the disposal of shares overnight to big business with no consultation with either he House of Commons or the general public. This is important as no political party said they would dispose of shares in their manifestos back in May.

I am also worried that should there be no longer be any public voice in Royal Mail because all the shares are gone then the universal service would be under threat, with profit put before communities and service.

How long before those who live in non-profitable areas are forced to collect their mail in town or pay a premium to get it delivered? This would also lead to a race to the bottom for the terms and conditions of those working in Royal Mail as the drive to become more efficient means attacks on workers' earned rights.

This leads on to the regulator's review of Royal Mail not to see if it is compliant to regulation and standards but to see if it is efficient enough. This is surely not a regulator's role. That is for the company to negotiate with worker representatives.

KEITH FRANKLIN

Political officer

CWU Western Counties branch