COAL ASTON POST OFFICE

Early day motion 1761, tabled 15 October 2003 by Harry Barnes (Labour). Signed by 17 members.

That this House is deeply concerned that the work of the National Consultative Team at the Post Office in considering representations made about proposed branch closures is nothing but a sham; is concerned that a typical letter sent out to local residents opposing the proposed closure of their Post Office in the parliamentary constituency of North East Derbyshire contains lengthy arguments in favour of the closure programme indicating that no special circumstances exist in their case and that their representations have already been dismissed; believes that it is not good enough for 80 per cent. of a Post Office letter supposedly relating to a current consultation process to prejudice the outcome; and calls upon the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to ensure that no decision is made about the future of the Coal Aston branch until a genuine and open assessment is made of the substantial representations which have been made.

Signatures by party: Labour 13, Liberal Democrat 3, Labour/Co-operative 1.