§ Mr. RuffleyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has received from the Federation of Sub-Postmasters regarding the development of automated or electronic social security payments through sub-post offices. [51399]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyThe National Federation of Sub-Postmasters has made clear to my Department its strong support for the Horizon project and the introduction of the proposed Benefit Payment Card. The Federation believes that automation of the counters network is key to its future commercial success and to that of the Federation's members.
§ Mr. RuffleyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the impact on sub-post offices in rural areas of the introduction of electronic or automated social security payments through sub-post offices. [51397]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyI am satisfied that automation of the Post Office Counters network, which will enable us to introduce a modern, fraud resistant means of paying social security benefits, will also assist the Post Office to secure a viable future for a nationwide network of post offices, to which we remain committed.
§ Mr. RuffleyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what discussions she has had regarding the Pathway private finance initiative and its impact on sub-post offices. [51398]
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§ Mr. Ian McCartneyI have had a number of discussions with colleagues and other interested parties about this project which my officials, together with officials from the Department of Social Security and HM Treasury, are continuing to monitor closely.