To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many (a) Crown Post Offices and (b) sub post offices have closed in London in the past 12 months. [103030]

I understand from Post Office Ltd. that there were 2 Crown Post Offices closures and net closures of 34 sub post offices in London in the 12 months to December 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) how many post office robberies have been committed since 1997 where the post master's hatch has been open; and what advice has been given to the Post Office by (a) the police and (b) the Department on the security of the hatches in sub post offices; [103099](2) how many sub post masters have been disciplined for contributory negligence in relation to robberies since 1997; [103097](3) what concerns have been expressed by unions about the design of safety doors and hatches in sub post offices; and what advice has been given to the Post Office since 1980 on possible design faults in sub post office hatches and doors. [103098]

These are matters that fall within the day-to-day responsibility of Post Office Ltd. I have therefore asked the Chief Executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.