What plans are in place to support post offices and sub post offices in (a) urban deprived areas and (b) rural areas.

Post Offices and postal services are reserved matters. The UK Government has already put in place a number of measures to maintain the network of rural post offices. These include the formal requirement placed on the Post Office in November 2000 to prevent any avoidable closures. For its part, the Scottish Executive is demonstrating its commitment to rural post offices through the provision of rates relief for qualifying rural outlets.Additionally, as part of the Scottish Executive's commitment to providing services in deprived urban areas, we are currently considering support for post offices in these locations and I hope to be able to advise you further in due course.