114.Section 71 sets a limit of £5,000 million on the total of the Crown’s financial arrangements with the Post Office company and any of its subsidiaries and defines what is to be included in the calculation of the figure. The Secretary of State may increase the limit set out in the Act by an order approved by a resolution of the House of Commons. The limit is in part required in order to provide assurance to Parliament that the Post Office company and its subsidiaries are not being afforded unlimited access to the National Loans Fund. The limit also provides assurance that unlimited calls may not be made on monies to be provided by Parliament.
Commentary on Sections Part IV Reorganisation of the Post Office Section 71: Limit on loans and other arrangements with government