§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in determining the future status of the Post Office, he will ensure that the existing network of main post offices is maintained. [58799]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyThe terms of reference of the current review are predicated on a public sector Post Office maintaining a nationwide network of post offices, as well as continuing to provide a universal postal service with a uniform tariff structure. At the start of the review the Post Office were asked to suspend their Crown Post Office conversion programme, so that the matter could be considered in the context of the review. The issues are now being drawn together and we hope to announce our conclusions shortly.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the investment needs of the Post Office in each of the next five years. [59338]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyThe Post Office's investment needs for the coming years are being considered in the context of the current Post Office Review.