§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment the Post Office has made of the impact of franchising of Crown post offices on the services offered to postal customers with particular reference to rural areas. [16308]
§ Mr. PageThe Post Office believe that the franchising of Crown post offices has a beneficial effect on the services offered to customers in rural areas. When a Crown post office is converted, it is located in the same general vicinity, if not in the same premises, and offers the same range of services. Additional facilities such as longer opening hours are often also provided. The lower costs to the Post Office of providing services through franchise offices assist in maintaining the network of rural post offices.