§ Mr. John SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what representations he has received about the impact of changes in the way social security benefits are paid on the viability of post offices; [101376]
(2) what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry about the impact of changes in the way social security benefits are paid on the viability of post offices. [101374]
§ Mr. RookerWe have received a number of such representations. Ministers and officials in this Department have had a number of discussions with their counterparts in the Department of Trade and Industry about the planned move to automated credit transfer for the payment of benefits.