§ Mr. Staintonasked the Secretary of State for Industry if discussions with the Post Office and the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters are sufficiently advanced for him to make a statement as to criteria for eligibility under the £2 million fund promised by the Government to assist in maintaining an adequate sub-post office network in rural areas.
§ Mr. ButcherConsultation with the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters will commence shortly, once discussions with Post Office on the details of the scheme are concluded. It would be premature to make a statement until that consultation has taken place. I can, however, assure my hon. Friend that the guidelines for the £2 million fund, provided in support of the Government's commitment to maintain an adequate sub-post office network, will be made available to the House as soon as the terms are finalised.