Mr. David McRedmond:

Yes, they had. I am absolutely clear they had all the details. I am clear that this will stand up to any scrutiny of how it was done.

Issues were raised regarding the criteria laid down and the fact that the consultation did not involve customers. The consultation was put out. We consult all the time. Details relating to the consultation were published. We will deal with customers through the appeals mechanism because they will make appeals. We have done this in the open. I have heard about how many post offices have closed over the years, that they closed by stealth and that they were not seen being closed. This whole scheme has been published, transparent and public. It has been out there and we have announced it. With regard to me hiding, I have been in here for three and a half hours. We are not hiding. I am absolutely prepared to answer all of the questions as quite rightly I should be.

I answered Deputy Mattie McGrath's question on the postmasters not being offered legal advice. Postmasters have a union. Post offices are individual businesses. We gave the postmasters as much advice as we possibly could and in the end they can take their own advice. They voted freely and they are adults.