HC Deb 13 February 2002 vol 380 cc444-5W
Adam Price

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions she has had with Consignia about the impact on rural and urban communities of their intention to close post offices. [35635]

Mr. Alexander

None. We welcome the terms negotiated between Post Office Ltd. and the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters in relation to the urban network. The Government's formal requirement on the Post Office to maintain the rural network and prevent avoidable closures of rural post offices remains in place.

Adam Price

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many sub-post offices there are in Wales; how many sub-post offices have been closed since May 1997; and if she will make a statement. [35620]

Mr. Alexander

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for South-East Cornwall (Mr. Breed) on 6 February 2002,Official Report, column 965W.

Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many sub-post offices have closed in Surrey in each of the past five years. [35811]

Mr. Alexander

I understand from Post Office Ltd. that data on the post office network are not held on a county basis.

Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the Government will present proposals regarding the urban post office network. [35300]

Mr. Alexander

Detailed discussion continues on the programme to restructure the urban post office network.

Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what options she is assessing for transitional financial assistance to the rural post office network; when she will announce a decision; and if she will make a statement. [35877]

Mr. Alexander

[holding answer 12 February 2000]: I refer to the answer given to the hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Laws) on 21 January 2002, Official Report, column 560W.

Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the level of take-up of the £2 million rural post office scheme; and what action she is taking to increase take-up. [35299]

Mr. Alexander

To date there have been over 500 requests for further information about the £2 million fund made available by Government to support volunteer and community initiatives to maintain or re-open post office facilities in rural areas. Also to date, 29 completed applications out of the 139 forms requested have been received by Post Office Ltd. and seven initiatives have been allocated funding. The scheme is promoted by rural transfer advisers from Post Office Ltd.