§ Ann McKechinTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions she has had with Consignia with regard to the closure of sub-post offices in Scotland. [72023]
§ Stephen TimmsI have met recently with Consignia executives to discuss plans for the post office network which are likely to lead to some closures as a result of the forthcoming programme to restructure the urban post office network. Any closure would need to be preceded by discussion with the subpostmaster and local consultations. The Post Office has been tasked with avoiding preventable rural closures.