POST OFFICE DIVERSIFICATION

Early day motion 157, tabled 20 November 2002 by David Stewart (Labour). Signed by 93 members.

That this House recognises the crucial and dynamic role rural and urban post offices play in their respective communities; also recognises the potential problems associated with implementing the comprehensive reform proposals that constitute the Post Office Reinvention Plan; specifically recognises the importance of customers continuing to use the Post Office in person following direct payments of pensions and benefits on April 2003; emphasises that the Universal Banking services are an integral and paramount part of the Government's Post Office Reinvention Plan; therefore calls on the Government to back up these strong reform measures with an equally strong marketing campaign to promote the Post Office Card; encourages the Government to continue to work closely with post offices to diversify their services and products; and recommends that the Government consider installing Lottery terminals in every post office as a means to further, more effective diversification.

Signatures by party: Labour 50, Liberal Democrat 19, Labour/Co-operative 9, Scottish National Party 5, Conservative 4, DUP 3, UUP 3.