Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to help protect post office services following closures of convenience stores where post offices are based.

The Government recognises the impact that post office and retail closures can have on employees, communities and access to essential services. The closure of stores where post offices are based is typically a commercial decision by the retailer rather than Post Office Limited.

Post Office Limited has indicated it will locally advertise the opportunity for a replacement branch for all branches affected by the recent announcement of the closure of certain Morrissons stores. My officials are in close contact with Post Office Limited to ensure it continues to meet the Government’s network requirements.