§ Mrs. EllmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what discussions she has held with Consignia concerning the possible closure of post offices; and if she will make a statement; [30006]
(2) what recent guidance she has given Consignia concerning the closure of urban post offices. [30008]
§ Ms HewittThe Government have agreed in principle to support the compensation package negotiated between Post Office Ltd. and the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters for a restructuring of the urban post office network. Where appropriate, compensation will be made available to sub-postmasters affected. Detailed discussions continue on the programme.
§ Mrs. EllmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will ensure that Consignia's proposals for possible post office closures are made public. [30007]
§ Ms HewittThe programme to restructure the urban post office network will be taken forward in consultation with individual sub-postmasters, the local community and Postwatch. To ensure that post offices meet the high expectations of customers and are in the right locations for their communities, the programme will be carefully tailored to the circumstances of each locality.