POL00144705 - Press Release from James Arbuthnot: Resolution to Post Office / Horizon system problems proposed
Evidence on official site
POL00144705
POL00144705
From: The Rt. Hon. James Arbuthnot, M.P.
HOUSE OF COMMONS
LONDON SWIA 0AA
Resolution to Post Office / Horizon system problems proposed
19 June 2012
Members of Parliament yesterday met senior representatives from the Post Office to
discuss some issues raised by a number of SubPostmasters and SubPostmistresses
concerning apparent shortages and branch accounting procedures.
James Arbuthnot MP, who convened the meeting, which included Post Office Ltd
Chairman, Alice Perkins and Chief Executive, Paula Vennells, suggested that the
cases raised at the meeting should be examined individually and that the process of
examination and the conclusions reached should be robust and transparent.
The Post Office has agreed to commission an external review of these cases.
Paula Vennells, Chief Executive, Post Office Limited, said: “The Post Office continues
to have absolute confidence in the robustness and integrity of its branch accounting
processes. We have no hesitation in agreeing to an external review of these few
individual cases that have been raised with us by Mr Arbuthnot and some of his
fellow MPs.”
James Arbuthnot MP, who convened the meeting, said: “It is in the interests of
everyone involved — constituents, their MPs, and Post Office Ltd — to get this matter
resolved. I think that what has come out of today’s meeting is a very positive and
mature process which will yield good, trustworthy results.”
Each of these cases will be reviewed and handled individually. Every MP whose
constituent reported problems will be given the opportunity of a meeting, and where
the MP wishes, a further meeting with the MP’s subpostmaster constituent. Branch
training and support processes will be fully reviewed and any recommendations
implemented as appropriate.
(ends)
19 June 2012: for immediate release.
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