§ Mr. RendelTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many (i) post offices and (ii) post offices run by sub-postmasters, there were at(a) at the latest available date, (b) in 1997, (c) in 1989 and (d) in 1979. [86930]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyI understand from the Post Office that the numbers of post offices in total and of sub-post offices at the dates requested were as follows:
Total Sub-post offices End April 1999 18,707 18,107 End March 1997 19,251 18,645 End March 1989 21,030 19,537 End March 1979 22,793 21,213
§ Mr. RendelTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the number of post offices, indicating separately those run by sub-postmasters, which operate in rural areas. [86931]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyI understand from the Post Office that the total number of post offices at the end of April 1999 was 18,707, of which 8,842 were in rural areas and operated by sub-postmasters.