§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many consultation exercises have been undertaken by Post Office Counters concerning proposed closures of post offices since 1 July 2001; and how many such exercises have resulted in the intention to close being withdrawn. [99916]
§ Mr. TimmsProposals for post office closures under the urban network reinvention programme are put out to public consultation in accordance with the code of practice agreed with Postwatch. Final decisions on closure, after consideration of representations received, are an operational matter for Post Office Ltd. I have therefore asked the Chief Executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.