§ Mr. BreedTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to grant additional funds to keep open rural sub-post offices threatened with closure under Consignia's strategic plan; and if she will make a statement. [29992]
§ Ms Hewitt[holding answer 24 January 2002]: Consignia has submitted no such strategic plan. In addition to the £2 million fund to support volunteer and community initiatives to maintain or re-open post office facilities in rural areas where traditional services would otherwise close, the Government are committed to providing transitional financial assistance to rural post offices. Advice received at the end of last year from the Postal Services Commission on transitional financial assistance to the rural network is currently under consideration.