Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has made an estimate of the additional cost to Post Office Ltd. if the rate of remuneration for postmasters in main branches was awarded to postmasters in local branches in 2017-18.

While the Government sets the strategic direction for the Post Office, it allows the company the commercial freedom to deliver its strategy and operate as an independent business. Postmasters’ remuneration and management of the branch network are operational matters for Post Office Limited. Paula Vennells, the Group Chief Executive of Post Office Limited, will write to the Hon Member on these matters. A copy of her reply will be placed in the Libraries of the House.