§ Mr. ColemanTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many(a) Crown Post Offices and (b) sub post offices have closed in London in the past 12 months. [103030]
§ Mr. TimmsI understand from Post Office Ltd. that there were 2 Crown Post Offices closures and net closures of 34 sub post offices in London in the 12 months to December 2002.
§ Mrs. LaitTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) how many post office robberies have been committed since 1997 where the post master's hatch has been open; and what advice has been given to the Post Office by(a) the police and (b) the Department on the security of the hatches in sub post offices; [103099]
(2) how many sub post masters have been disciplined for contributory negligence in relation to robberies since 1997; [103097]
(3) what concerns have been expressed by unions about the design of safety doors and hatches in sub post offices; and what advice has been given to the Post Office since 1980 on possible design faults in sub post office hatches and doors. [103098]
§ Mr. TimmsThese are matters that fall within the day-to-day responsibility of Post Office Ltd. I have therefore asked the Chief Executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.