§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Prime Minister what further representations she has received from and on behalf of the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters; what replies she has sent; what the time scale will be for publication of and consultations on the recommendations made by the study group which has been considering the matters with which the federation is concerned; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterI have seen the further representations from the National Association of Sub-Postmasters which the right hon. Gentleman sent me on 17 April. In my reply I repeated the assurances the Government have given that retirement pensioners will remain free to draw their pensions weekly from post offices and that we are determined to ensure the continuance of the sub-post office network. I explained that Ministers are still considering the study group's recommendations and that we shall make our views known as soon as possible. I also made it clear that no changes will be made until the findings of the study team have been published and there have been consultations with those affected by the proposals.