To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the social (a) role played and (b) value provided by post offices in disadvantaged communities; and if he will make a statement. (106956)

The Government have invested more than £2 billion since 1999 in the Post Office network because we recognise the important social value and economic role of post offices, particularly in rural and deprived urban areas. We also recognise that many such post offices can never be commercially viable and will need continued public funding. We will be announcing shortly our proposals for ensuring a long-term stable footing for a national Post Office network.