§ Mr. Maxwell-Hyslopasked the Secretary of State for Industry what steps (a) have been taken in the last year and (b) he expects to take in the next year to generate additional business for sub-post offices.
§ Mr. Michael MarshallThe Government have introduced provisions in the British Telecommunications Bill to enable the Post Office to undertake business for a wider range of public sector customers across the post and sub-post office counter network. It is the responsibility of the Post Office to negotiate with potential users of the counter network, but I understand that in a number of areas there are prospects for growth of business from both new and existing customers.