HC Deb 31 October 2002 vol 391 cc970-1W
28. Mr. Rosindell

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the urban post office network. [76448]

Mr. Timms

Post Office Limited (POL) has just embarked on a programme to restructure the urban post office network. The objective of the programme is to provide modernised and improved facilities which meet customers' needs and expectations and are in the right location for the local community. The programme, supported by the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters, will be taken forward by POL in consultation with individual sub-postmasters, the community, local stakeholders and Postwatch. Parliamentary and European state aids approvals have been received.

31. Tim Loughton

To ask the Secretary' of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has held with representatives of older people's groups about the proximity of urban sub-post offices to their customers. [76451]

Mr. Timms

Plans of Post Office Limited (POL) to restructure the urban post office network will take careful account of customer needs, including those of older people. POL's restructuring programme will involve extensive consultation with local stakeholders and the community in every case. Public consultation will be carried out under the Code of Practice procedures which have been agreed between POL and Postwatch, the consumer body.

Postwatch will be consulted on individual propositions for change. In addition, on a regular basis, Postwatch meet and consult a range of organisations including those representing older people.

Mr. Burns

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment has been made of the impact the closure of urban post offices will have on the town of Chelmsford, including Broomfield and Great Baddow; and how many post offices in this area are expected to close. [77151]

Mr. Timms

The programme to restructure the urban post office network has only just started and is being taken forward in consultation with individual sub-postmasters, the community, Members of Parliament, other local stakeholders and Postwatch in accordance with the Code of Practice. There is no pre-determined closure list. Under the Code, Post Office Ltd. is required to consult Postwatch and other interested parties on its specific proposals for changes.

The objective of the urban network restructuring programme is to ensure that ad hoc closures which would leave gaps in the network are prevented. It is envisaged that the restructured urban network will provide modernised and improved facilities which meet customers' needs and expectations and are in the right location for the local community.