Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what information his Department holds on Post Office Limited's criteria for awarding new franchises.

While the Government sets the strategic direction for the Post Office, it allows the company the commercial freedom to deliver this strategy as an independent business. The criteria for awarding new franchises?is an operational matter for Post Office Limited.? I have therefore asked?Nick Read,?the Group Chief Executive of Post Office Limited, to write to the hon. Member on this matter. A copy of?his?reply will be placed in the Libraries of the House.