HC Deb 06 May 2003 vol 404 c588W
Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many sub-post offices have been(a) proposed for closure by the Post Office, (b) referred to Postwatch on appeal, (c) recommended by Postwatch to remain open, (d) recommended by Postwatch to close and (e) subject to a closure decision by the Post Office under the Post Office urban reinvention programme. [110793]

Mr. Timms

[holding answer 1 May 2003]: Data on the numbers of closure proposals put out to public consultation under the urban network reinvention programme and any subsequent Postwatch referrals and recommendations are operational matters for Post Office Ltd. and I have asked the Chief Executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.

Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how the distance criteria governing closure is being adapted under the Post Office urban reinvention programme to take account of(a) gradients of slope facing pedestrians, (b) the number of road crossings and traffic flows, (c) parking availability at remaining post offices and (d) expected waiting times at remaining post offices. [110794]

Mr. Timms

[holding answer 1 May 2003]: The factors taken into account in formulating specific closure proposals put out to public consultation under the urban network reinvention programme are an operational matter for Post Office Ltd. and I have asked the Chief Executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.