To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had with (a) other Government departments, (b) the BBC and (c) Post Office Limited on the effect on the sub-post office network of the loss of television licence renewal income. (82865)

[holding answer 6 July 2006]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has had no such discussions. The award of the contract for over the counter sales of television licences is a commercial decision for the BBC (as television licensing authority). Prior to the announcement of the corporation's decision, DCMS officials had been briefed by the BBC, and liaised with officials at the Department of Trade and Industry.