§ Mr. Wardasked the Secretary of State for Industry further to the reply given on 4 February to the hon. Member for Sudbury and Woodbridge (Mr. Stainton) Official Report, c. 223, what progress has been made in consultation with the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters in agreeing the criteria for eligibility and guidelines for the administration of the £2 million fund for sub-postmasters.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinI am pleased to be able to report that agreement has now been reached with the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters, the guidelines for the fund, which is intended to support the Government's commitment to maintain an adequate sub-post office network, have now been finalised. Formal instructions to head postmasters for the operation of the scheme will shortly be issued by the Post Office. I am making arrangements for copies of the guidelines to be placed in the Library and to be available from my Department.