§ Mr. SteinbergTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many post offices and sub-post offices were closed in each year from 1980 to 1990; and what circumstances are taken as the reasons to close post offices.
§ Mr. LeighThe net number of Crown and sub-post office closures in each year from 1980–81 to 1989–90, inclusive, are set out in the table:
Year Sub-offices Crown offices Total 1980–81 162 2 164 1981–82 62 8 70 1982–83 98 6 104 1983–84 235 8 243 1984–85 389 6 395 1985–86 314 44 358 1986–87 88 6 94 1987–88 136 4 140 1988–89 35 6 41 1989–90 5 154 159 Decisions on the type and level of post office provision available in particular areas are on operations matter for the Post Office Board. The Government have made clear on a number of occasions our commitment to the maintenance of a network of offices adequate to enable the Post Office to fulfil its statutory duty to have regard to economy and efficiency, and to the social, commercial and industrial needs of the United Kingdom. We are satisfied that in managing its network of post offices, including those in rural areas, the Post Office is fully meeting these obligations.