§ Mr. CarmichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) when the Government will announce the level of financial assistance they are to provide to rural post offices after April 2006; [169128]
(2) when her Department will publish the report completed by Postcomm in July 2003 on funding for postal services in rural areas after 2006; and if she will make a statement. [169129]
§ Mr. Timms[holding answers 27 April 2004]The Cabinet Office Performance and Innovation Unit (PIU) report on the future of the post office network recommended that the Postal Services Commission should advise the Government on the main options for the policy framework after 2006. The Government are currently considering that policy advice, which was submitted in confidence, and will take decisions on the shape of the rural post office network after 2006 in good time to allow for a smooth transition from the current support arrangements. The Government have no plans to publish Postcomm's advice at present.