§ Mr. RobathanTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the trial of "Your Guide" in post offices in Leicestershire will continue after the end of March. [25909]
§ Mr. WilsonThe six month pilot continues to schedule and will be withdrawn as planned on 1 March 2002. This allows complete focus on the detailed evaluation report and business case which will determine whether the service will be rolled out nationally. Work is already under way to plan for national roll-out so that in the event of a successful outcome rapid progress can be made.
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§ Mr. RobathanTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what initial assessment she has made of the trial of "Your Guide" in post offices in Leicestershire since October 2001. [25908]
§ Mr. WilsonNo formal assessment has yet been made of the trial. The outcome of the pilot will be fully evaluated by the Post Office, by those organisations participating in the pilot, and by the Government participating as a whole. The pilot ends on 1 March. The full evaluation report is expected in June.
§ Mr. RobathanTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what publicity has been given to the trial of "Your Guide" in post offices in Leicestershire since October 2001. [25907]
§ Mr. WilsonOperational management of the pilot project is a matter for Post Office Limited. I understand that since its inception in August 2001, the trial has been publicised by means of paid advertisements and editorial features in the local newspapers and radio. Leaflets have been distributed through a variety of channels including doctors surgeries and social security offices and presentations have been made to a variety of local groups. The publicity has continued since October 2001 with material adapted to include case studies and quotations from users of the service. A leaflet drop directly to households is planned for later in January.