Lib Dem MP raises Tesco Post Office closures in Parliament

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 6th Jul 2004

Lib Dem Trade and Industry Spokesman, Malcolm Bruce MP, has challenged the government minister in Parliament over the Tesco Post Office closures.

Speaking in the House of Commons on the 5th of July, he said: "Another issue is that of the activities of supermarkets that have taken over post offices. It is mentioned in the amendment tabled in my name and that of my hon. Friends. The Post Office contracted for a number of supermarkets to operate post offices in their premises. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but now they tend to say that they can make more money selling beans and would rather not have the post offices. That creates further problems. My information shows that Tesco notified the Post Office of 44 closures after the recent takeover and that Morrisons gave notice of 21 after its takeover of Safeway. That presents genuine difficulties because alternative premises and venues may not be available. The Post Office and the Government have lost control, which was effectively surrendered when the branches were given to the supermarkets. Now that the supermarkets no longer want the branches, there is a huge problem. Who will pay for finding alternative premises? Will the cost be so high that the community will lose the post offices?"

The Minister, Stephen Timms, replied to say that it was good that Tesco were consulting the public in each case, but that in the end this was a commercial decision in which he wouldn't intervene.

"Consultation is simply not good enough" says Lib Dem spokesman Cllr Duncan Hames.

"What matters to local residents is whether they keep a Post Office in their community. If the Post Office don't wish to take responsibility for this closure, then they should be required to ensure that it is retained nearby or agree with Tesco terms for keeping it in their store. Perhaps they are just too pleased to see Tesco doing their dirty work for them?" concludes Cllr Hames.

Related Link:

[Campaign against Tesco closing post offices]