§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will investigate the financial transactions which take place between Post Office Counters Ltd. and prospective sub-postmasters at the time of a transfer of a post office business to new ownership; and if he will assess the effect of these transactions on the long-term future of the Post Office network. [125461]
§ Mr. Alan Johnson[holding answer 12 June 2000]The contractual and financial arrangements relating to the transfer of a post office business to new ownership are matters for the Post Office and the prospective sub-postmaster. I am not aware that the financial terms relating to licence and relocation fees are having any significant implications for the long-term future of the network and I understand that the Post Office offers some flexibility where particular circumstances merit it.