§ Mr. WalterTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the Department of Trade and Industry on the potential effect of the proposed payment of benefits into bank accounts and the effect this may have on rural post offices in Wales. [105571]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyI speak regularly with colleagues in Whitehall and we discuss a number of issues. My officials have had a number of discussions with their counterparts in the Department of Trade and Industry. I am fully aware of the planned move to an Automated Credit Transfer system that will assure a safer, modern and efficient way of paying benefits. In addition, the Prime Minister announced on 21 October 1999 that the Performance and Innovation Unit (PIU) in the Cabinet Office is to carry out a study on the Post Office network which will seek to identify the contribution made by post offices to the viability of local communities. Close independent monitoring of the post office network will ensure that proposed closures which would create significant problems of access to post office counter services, including in rural areas, are taken up with the Post Office, which will then be able to investigate how access needs can best be met.