§ 23. Mr. Tony Spellerasked the Secretary of State for Industry what measures have been taken to provide new work for sub-post offices; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherThe British Telecommunications Act 1981 extended the range of work that the Post Office could do over its counters. My right hon Friend has given consent recently to the Post Office to undertake a range of services under the provisions of section 58 of that Act. Negotiations are in hand between the Post Office, Government Departments and other public sector bodies on how the use of counter services can be expanded.
These measures will, I hope, help to ensure that the estimates of growth in new and existing counter business, given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services in his statement to the House on 12 May 1981 will be met.