§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry under what powers he plans to instruct the Post Office to maintain the rural network of sub-post offices. [142881]
§ Mr. Byers[holding answer 15 December 2000]: My hon. Friend the Minister for Competitiveness placed a formal requirement on the Post Office to maintain the rural network and to prevent any avoidable closures of rural post offices in a letter dated 17 November to the Chief Executive.