Written question asked by Derek Wyatt (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 March 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 March 2004. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Thursday, 11 March 2004 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what measures she can take to stop supermarkets closing post offices as a result of the takeover of one-stop convenience stores, with particular reference to the one-stop convenience store in Chalkwell Road, Sittingbourne. (Holding answer 8 March 2004).

Answer: Mr. Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures she can introduce to stop Tesco closing post offices as a result of the takeover of one-stop convenience stores, with particular reference to the one-stop convenience store in Chalkwell Road, Sittingbourne. [159793] Mr. Timms: [holding answer 8 March 2004]: None. Any decision by Tesco to remove a post office from one of its T&S convenience stores is a commercial matter for the company. Tesco has however committed to giving six months notice of its intention to do so to Post Office Ltd., allowing it the opportunity to find alternative partners to continue to offer post office services in close proximity to the existing location, and to working with all parties to seek a smooth changeover process for customers in the area. I understand that Tesco has recently given notice of its intention to discontinue post office services from its Chalkwell Road, Sittingbourne store and that Post Office Ltd. is now actively engaged in seeking an alternative location in the vicinity.

Secondary information