§ 5. Mr. McFallTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are being taken to improve postal services in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [109611]
§ Dr. ReidThe Government are committed to the modernisation of the postal service. Scotland, like the rest of the UK will benefit from the £480 million investment in the HORIZON project to computerise all post offices by 2001.
§ 15. Mr. GorrieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer about the effects which transferring pension payments from post offices to bank accounts will have on small post offices. [109625]
§ Dr. ReidI am in contact with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer over a range of issues.
This Government are committed to making a major investment in the Post Office and the maintenance of a nation-wide network of post offices. All people in receipt 856W of benefits, including pensions, will continue to have the choice of receiving payments in cash at their local post office.