HC Deb 29 November 2000 vol 357 c647W
Mr. Alexander

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to improve postal services in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [140831]

Mr. Wilson

I am closely involved with colleagues and the Post Office in developing plans to implement the recommendations of the PIU report on the modernisation of the post office network.

We wish to see the post office network thrive, not just survive, and are providing the support to make this happen. As a first stage in implementing the PIU report ring-fenced support of £270 million over the next three years has been allocated. Plans include modernising and maintaining the rural network, restructuring of the urban network, setting up the Universal Bank, and trials of the Government General Practitioner and internet access and learning point facilities.