asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he has any intention of implementing in whole or in part the suggestions contained in the recent National Prices Commission report on sub-post offices.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sub-post Offices Role.
21.
The suggestions referred to, as well as other possibilities for savings mentioned in the same report, will receive appropriate consideration. I should like, however, to make it clear at this stage, in view of Press speculation that the closure of a large number of sup-post offices may be imminent, that there are no proposals before me at present for the closing of any sub-post offices.
Is the Minister aware of the concern, particularly in rural areas, which the National Prices Commission report has given rise to? Will he ensure that the needs and views of people who use the service and depend upon it in rural areas will be taken into consideration in the event of any such proposal coming before him?
I can assure the Deputy that those views will be fully considered in the event of proposals for the closure of any rural sub-post offices. I should add that the closure of rural sub-post offices was regarded by the National Prices Commission's consultants merely as an area of possible cost-saving and that they recognise that it would require an important policy decision to proceed with it. No such policy decision has been taken and I have at present no proposals before me for such a decision. I should add that the Post Office Users' Council took into consideration the possible closing of uneconomic sub-post offices in sparsely-populated areas and so forth and they said "We consider that each case should be treated on its merit as there might be important social aspects in country districts which should be taken into account in addition to those relating directly to post office services."
I assure the House that my Department will continue to take these important social aspects into consideration in each individual case and that each individual case will be considered on its merits. There is certainly no question, as might be inferred from some newspaper headlines, of any contemplation of mass closures of post offices. That is not contemplated.
The remaining questions——
In view of the fact that we did not commence Question Time until 2.35 p.m.——
That does not arise. That is not the fault of the Chair. The remaining Questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.