§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many sub-postmasters there are in the UK; and how many of them are(a) from ethnic minorities and (b) women. [115205]
§ Mr. Alan Johnson[holding answer 17 March 2000]: There are at present some 16,000 sub-postmasters. A number of these cover more than one post office.
Approximately 40 per cent. of this total are women. The Post Office's estimate is that 12.4 per cent. of sub-postmasters are from ethnic minorities. This estimate derives from data provided on a voluntary basis by sub-postmasters.
§ Mr. CrausbyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce measures to allow post offices to sell alcoholic drinks. [115484]
§ Mr. Alan JohnsonItems such as stationery and greetings cards, which complement postal services, may be sold in post offices by Post Office Counters Ltd. However, where a post office is located alongside a retail outlet, the decision to sell alcoholic drinks rests with the shop owner.
418W
§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what contracts the Post Office has with haulage contractors for the delivery of UK mail in foreign-registered trucks; and if he will make a statement. [115268]
§ Mr. Alan JohnsonThe names of the Post Office's contractors are a commercially confidential matter for the Post Office, who tell me that they use a range of hauliers, some UK based, some based in other countries. They have no records of where their suppliers register their vehicles.