Mr. Philip Dunne (Ludlow) (Con): Is the Minister aware of the Post Office's reaction to the Government's unilateral decision? I have a letter from Mr. Alan Cook, the managing director of the Post Office-a letter that I believe several other hon. Members have received today-in which he points out that the Post Office is "disappointed" at the decision and that the Post Office currently loses £2 million a year, after a £200 million revenue contribution, from the POCA. The consequences will be extremely damaging, especially in rural areas. Last week I surveyed the 42 post offices in my constituency, and 100 per cent. of those who responded said that the change either would or probably would jeopardise the viability of their business. Will the Minister respond to that?
Mr. Plaskitt: The Government have not made a unilateral change. I draw the hon. Gentleman's attention to the jointly signed contract between the Government and the Post Office, the introduction to which says:
"A POCA will complement the range of Bank Accounts available to customers; in particular, to promote a service to those who do not have or cannot otherwise obtain a Bank Account."
It goes on to say:
"The POCA is intended to be an interim step for Account Holders who will be encouraged by both Parties to migrate to Bank Accounts which provide services and opportunities not available through the POCA."
The Post Office and the Government have both honoured that contract. If the hon. Gentleman is concerned about rural post office closures he should note that the Government have made available £700 million to support the rural network, and the rate of rural post office closures has slowed considerably from the rate under the previous Administration.
