HC Deb 02 March 2004 vol 418 cc800-1W
Mr. Andrew Turner

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to the Written Ministerial Statement made by the Minister for Energy, E-Commerce and Postal Services on 5 February 2004, Official Report, column 48WS, on Post Office Urban Reinvention Network, (1) what his definition of dense network is; [156483]

(2) what percentage of post offices in urban deprived areas are situated in dense networks. [156484]

Mr. Timms [holding answer 26 February 2004]

Post Office Ltd. defines a dense network of surrounding offices, in the context of offices in the 10 per cent. most deprived areas, as being several accessible branches in the 0.5 to one mile range travelling distance. Each proposal will however be considered on an individual basis with regard to reasonable transport links between the branches and travel across the area generally needed for retail needs. In addition, the role of Postwatch in the consultation process ensures that each proposal is analysed on a case-by-case basis.