I was under the impression that the question had been withdrawn, but I am pleased that the hon. Gentleman is here.
The Minister is right. However, because the hon. Gentleman arrived in the Chamber before his question was called, I used my discretion. My apologies to the Minister.
I am delighted that the hon. Gentleman is here. The tendering process is that which is set down by law. It commenced in May 2007, with the publication of the official contract notice, and is proceeding in accordance with the established timetable. In accordance with the rules, the process is being led by officials. Ministers are not directly involved. An announcement on the successful bidder will be made as soon as possible.
I am grateful for your generosity, Mr. Speaker; I did not expect to be in the Chamber at this time. I am glad that I am and that the Minister cannot get off the hook that easily. Given that the Government have basically decimated post offices in Shropshire, not least in my constituency, closing Sambrook, Church Aston and King Street, Wellington, will the Minister give an undertaking, not only to post offices in Shropshire but to those throughout the country, that the tender process will be transparent, open and fair, and will allow those postmasters who want to continue to provide this service every opportunity to do so?
The process will certainly be fair, because we are scrupulously following the strict rules laid down by the Public Contract Regulations 2006. If the hon. Gentleman cares to study those regulations, he will see that the process is led by officials and that Ministers are not involved. I cannot therefore give him any reassurances about the outcome, and it would be inappropriate for me to make any comment about any potential bidder. At this stage, I know that the Post Office is a bidder because it has publicly said so. I am unaware of who the other bidders are, however, and that is as it should be. As I have said, the process is being led by officials, and there will be an announcement as soon as we can make one.