Topical Question: Post Office closures

Brooks Newmark calls on the Government to ensure that consultations on the post office network should be both accurate and public.

Mr. Brooks Newmark (Braintree) (Con): The George Yard post office in Braintree is going to be closed in less than two weeks' time, despite not having been involved in the initial Essex consultation. When I raised that matter with the chief executive of the Post Office, he first apologised, but then asked me to keep it in the strictest confidence until he could make an announcement. Does not the Minister agree that consultations on the post office network should be both accurate and public?

Mr. McFadden: Throughout this process, we have emphasised that the consultation relates to how the plans are implemented, not whether there should be closures. Replacement closures sometimes have to be identified because the Post Office is closing post offices that cost significant amounts to run-on average, £18,000 a year for each branch. I understand the hon. Gentleman's point, but that is the reason why such decisions have to be taken.