asked the Secretary of State for Social Services on what date he expects to publish the Rayner report on payments to pensioners and other beneficiaries through sub-post offices.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he will be able to make an announcement about the payment of pensions and social benefits through the local post offices; and if he will make a statement.

I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend said to the House on 19 February.—[Vol. 979, c. 264–316]

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what further representations he has had from sub-postmasters in respect of the Rayner report; and if he will make a statement.

I met representatives of the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters on 20 February to learn at first hand about their concerns and views on possible changes in the arrangements for paying social security benefits. I assured them that changes which threatened the foundations of the sub-post office network would be inconsistent with the Government's aim of sustaining local communities and the services on which they depend.