Sunday 1^st June 2008

WEIR WELCOMES POSTAL SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT

SNP Postal Services spokesperson, Mike Weir MP, has welcomed the latest report from the Commons Business and Enterprise Select Committee on the future of Post Offices, and pressed for the current review of postal services to take account of the role of the post office network in delivery of the universal service obligation.

The Committee has expressed concerns about the future size of the Post Office network and the ambiguity between the position of the UK Government and the Post Office.

Mr Weir, who is a member of the Business and Enterprise Select Committee, said:

"There must be absolute clarity on the future of the network. We are currently going through a closure programme that is causing huge concern in all areas, yet we have not received any assurance that it will definitely be the last such scheme.

"If UK Ministers do not guarantee that the Post Office receives the contract for the Post Office Card Account, currently out to tender, then it is very likely there would be another substantial round of closures."

Mr Weir also strongly supported the concerns highlighted in the report relating to the finances of the Post Office.

Mr Weir added:

"The UK Government and the Post Office must accept the need for greater clarity on finances.

"The Post Office is not a normal business but one wholly owned by the government and in receipt of very substantial amounts of taxpayers money.

"We are entitled to full information on how this is used yet many campaigning against post office closures find it very difficult to get relevant financial information.

"We must also acknowledge the very close connection between the Post Office network and the universal service obligation.

"It is of great concern that the current review of postal services does not include within its remit the post office network.

"It is vital that the role of the network in delivering the USO is not downplayed, a point I have strongly made to the review group."