MONEY MERRY GO ROUND FAILING POST OFFICE COSTUMERS

Angus MP Mike Weir, SNP Spokesperson on Trade and Industry, has accused the government of failing to exercise joined up government with one government department destroying the post office network by removing business from it whilst another is putting money in to try and stop total collapse.

Speaking after the appearance of the Government Minister Jim Fitzpatrick before the Trade and Industry Committee this morning Mr Weir said

"This ridiculous money Merry Go Round is failing Post Office Customers and the rural community. The post office network is suffering death by a thousand cuts with the withdrawal of government services, principally by the Department of Work and Pensions, whilst the Department of Trade and Industry is putting money in to stave off total collapse."

"This is absolutely ridiculous and shows a complete lack of both joined up thinking and common sense."

Mr Weir also expressed grave concern that the Post Office stated that the "optimum commercially viable" size of the network would only be four thousand offices and the Minister would give no indication as to what the government believed was necessary.

It is high time that the government got a grip and stopped the withdrawal of any business until there is a full review and a recognition of the social role of post offices. If they do not act now it will be too late and we will be left with little of no service."