HC Deb 19 September 2003 vol 410 c1076W
Paul Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what criteria are used to distinguish between rural and urban post offices. [130798]

Mr. Timms

The decision to classify a post office branch as urban or rural is an operational matter for Post Office Ltd. The company classifies as rural any post office within a community of less than 10,000 inhabitants. Above that the post office is classified as urban. I understand that the company has a geographical mapping model that enables it to adopt a consistent approach to classification across the country.

Mr. Carmichael

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultations have been undertaken by(a) Postwatch and (b) Postwatch Scotland since 2001; and how much each of these has cost. [129901]

Mr. Timms

This is a matter for Postwatch and I have therefore asked the Chairman of Postwatch to reply directly to the hon. Member.

Mr. Andrew Turner

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the latest posting time is from each parliamentary constituency which will achieve first delivery of first class mail to the House the following day; and what the latest posting time is at the hon. Members' post office which will achieve next day first delivery of first class mail to each parliamentary constituency. [131059]

Mr. Timms

[holding answer 18 September 2003]: This is an operational matter for Royal Mail Group plc. I have therefore asked the Deputy Chairman of Royal Mail to reply direct to the hon. Member.