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<p>The Government recognises the critical role that post offices play in communities
and for small businesses across the UK. This is why the Government committed to safeguard
the post office network and protect existing rural services. The overall number of
post offices across the UK remains at its most stable in decades with over 11,500
branches thanks to significant Government investment of over £2 billion since 2010.</p><p>
</p><p>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.
Impact assessments in respect of the franchising of Crown Post Offices to WHSmith
are an operational matter for the Post Office. I have therefore asked the Group Chief
Executive of Post Office Limited, to write to the hon. Member on this matter. A copy
of the reply will be placed in the Libraries of the House.</p>
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