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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of customer service standards at (a) Crown post offices and (b) post offices which have been franchised to WHSmith.

We understand that branches operated by WHSmith are providing good ongoing levels of customer service. The operation of post offices is the responsibility of Post Office Limited.

I have asked Paula Vennells, the Chief Executive of Post Office Limited, to write to the Hon Member on this matter and provide the information requested. A copy of her reply will be placed in the Libraries of the House.