HC Deb 18 January 2001 vol 361 cc309-10W
17. Mr. Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he last met the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters to discuss the future of the network. [144545]

Mr. Byers

I last met representatives of the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters to discuss the future of the post office network on 24 November when I attended a meeting of the executive council.

I understand I was the first Secretary of State to attend a meeting of federation's executive council.

21. Mr. Cousins

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what arrangements he has made for benefit payments to be made by way of Post Office accounts. [144549]

Mr. Byers

The Government have given a commitment that both before and after the migration of benefit payments to automated credit transfer, those benefit and pension recipients who wish to collect their benefits in cash in full across a post office counter will continue to be able to do so. The development of universal banking services will ensure that arrangements for this are put in place.

26. Mr. David Heath

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on progress towards protecting the sub-post office network. [144554]

Mr. Byers

By accepting all 24 recommendations of the Performance and Innovation Unit's (PIU) report on the future of the post office network, the Government have demonstrated their continuing commitment to maintenance of a nationwide network. We are working closely with the Post Office, the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters and other stakeholders to implement the PIU recommendations and have placed a formal requirement on the Post Office to maintain the rural network and prevent avoidable closures.

27. Dr. Palmer

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on progress with establishment of the universal bank. [144555]

Mr. Byers

Good progress is being made with the development of universal banking services. Agreement in principle was reached on 20 December 2000 with six banks, Barclays, Lloyds TSB Ltd, RBS/Nat West, HSBC, Abbey National and the Halifax, to contribute towards universal banking services at the Post Office. Discussions continue with other banks and building societies to examine what contributions they can make.

Paddy Ashdown

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many post offices there are in each parliamentary constituency; how many receive 40 per cent. or more of their annual income from pensions and benefits business; and if he will make a statement. [144593]

Mr. Byers

The most recent data available are as set out in the reply given to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Erdington (Mr. Corbett) on 29 November 1999,Official Report, column 22W.

Paddy Ashdown

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many(a) post offices and (b) sub-post offices there were in (i) Yeovil constituency and (ii) south Somerset in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [144592]

Mr. Byers

I understand from the Post Office that the historic data requested are not available and that the most recent data available for Yeovil constituency are as set out in the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Erdington on 29 November 1999,Official Report, column 22W.

Mr. Coaker

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to publicise the range of services available at the Post Office. [144537]

Mr. Alan Johnson

Publicity and advertising of the range of services available are operational matters for the Post Office. I understand that, in addition to in-store advertising of Post Office products and services often supported by local press and radio campaigns and promotional incentives, a new website carrying a comprehensive guide to all products and services available from the Post Office is to be launched later this month. This website will be advertised as part of the credits for the television travel programme "Wish You Were Here", which the Post Office is sponsoring for six months with the particular objective of advertising and promoting the travel insurance, foreign currency and travellers cheques services available either on demand or by order through all post offices.