§ Mr. HealdTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the effect on the level of subsidy payable to post offices if the number of Post Office card accounts opened exceeds the Government's estimates; and if she will make a statement. [125271]
§ Mr. TimmsGovernment financial support for the Post Office network is not affected by any particular number of Post Office card accounts. Universal banking went live in post offices on 1 April 2003 as scheduled. There is an effect on payments to the Post Office through its contracts with government departments, but the Post Office is now providing electronic access to a wide range of bank accounts and is looking to extend these further.
§ Keith VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many post offices have closed in Leicester since 1997; what research has been done by her Department into the closure of post offices in Leicester; and what representations she has received from honourable Members concerning the closure of post offices in Leicester. [125272]
§ Mr. TimmsDecisions on post office closures are an operational matter for Post Office Ltd and I have asked the Chief Executive to respond directly to the hon. Member about closures in Leicester. In addition to representations from the hon. Member for Leicester East., my hon. Friend has received one representation from Leicester city council.