Hansard

Sub-Postmasters: Retention

Volume 622: debated on Monday 12 February 2001

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Baroness Byford

asked Her Majesty's Government:What steps they have taken to stem the numbers of sub-postmasters leaving their businesses. [HL611]

The Minister for Science, Department of Trade and Industry
(Lord Sainsbury of Turville)

By accepting all 24 recommendations of the Performance and Innovation Unit's (PIU) report on the future of the post office network, the Government have demonstrated their continuing commitment to maintenance of a nationwide network. We are working closely with the Post Office, the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters and other stakeholders to implement the PIU recommendations. These measures are designed to modernise and improve post office services and to strengthen confidence in the future of the network. The Post Office has also accepted a formal requirement, placed on it by the Government, to maintain the rural network and to prevent any avoidable closures of rural post offices.