Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what recent steps the Government has taken to reduce the amount of nuisance post.

The Government recognises that some people do find unsolicited mail to be a nuisance, which is why we have ensured that there are preference services in place for anyone who wants to stop receiving such mail.

There are currently two ‘opt out’ services run by the Direct Marketing Association (DMA): the Mailing Preference Service (MPS) will stop addressed mail and the “Your Choice” preference service will stop unaddressed mailings. More information about these services can be found on the MPS website (http://www.mpsonline.org.uk/).

Royal Mail also runs its own door-to-door ‘opt out’ service, though this will only stop those unaddressed mailings delivered by Royal Mail. More information about Royal Mail’s service can be found on its website (www.royalmail.com).

By registering with all three services, consumers can stop the vast majority of unsolicited mail being received. Registration is free. The Government also encourages the direct marketing industry to improve targeting and reduce the amount of waste involved with its campaigns.