asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the timetable for regional announcements of post office closures; and, in particular, when announcements will be made for north-west England and Yorkshire. [HL4346]

On 17 May, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State announced the Government's response to public consultation on the post office network.

Now that the Government have announced their decisions, it will be for Post Office Ltd strategically to develop the network in around 50 local area plans. The company will shortly finalise and make public its timetable to show when it expects to produce proposals for changes in each area.

Following input from sub-postmasters, Postwatch and local authorities, these plans will include closure proposals and other service changes which will then be put to local consultations ahead of final decisions.