text_body: --- DIVISION TITLE ---
  
  Future of the Post Office Network - Congratulates the Government
  
  --- MOTION EFFECT ---
  
  
  
  The majority of MPs voted for the motion:[1]
  
  **This House 
  * ''congratulates'' the Government for its commitment to modernise and invest in the national network of post offices while keeping them easily accessible to all customers; 
  * ''notes'' that the choice of account for customers into which they wish their benefits paid is entirely a matter for the customer concerned and congratulates the Government on ensuring that all the necessary information is available to customers to make an informed choice; 
  * ''applauds'' the Government's Â£2 billion investment in the Post Office network and its success in reducing the rate of rural post office closures; 
  * ''notes'' the Post Office's commitment to ensuring that 95% of the urban population live within a mile of a post office, and the majority within half a mile, and that honourable Members are consulted on proposed closures as part of an agreed process between the Post Office and [http://www.postwatch.co.uk/ Postwatch]; 
  * ''further notes'' that 3,500 post offices closed under the previous administration; and 
  * ''condemns'' those who seek to undermine confidence in Britain's postal services.
  
  An earlier motion critical of the Government had just been voted down.[2]
  
  * [1] [http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2004-01-13.734.0#g745.1 Stephen Timms MP], House of Commons, 13 January 2004
  * [2] [http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/division.php?date=2004-01-13&number=28 Future of Post Office Network - Deplores the Programme - rejected], House of Commons, 13 January 2004
  
  
  
  --- COMMENTS AND NOTES ---
  
  (put thoughts and notes for other researchers here)
  