It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Robertson, and I congratulate the hon. Member for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney on securing today's important debate. Post offices play a crucial role in communities and for small businesses around the United Kingdom, with more than 11,500 branches, and over £2.5 billion has been provided to support the post office network over the past decade. Since 2019, an annual subsidy of £50 million a year has been maintained until 2025. Post offices were essential during the pandemic, maintaining services for vulnerable communities. The Government are committed to ensuring that 99% of the UK population is within 3 miles of a post office outlet and 90% within 1 mile. In Treharris, where the post office has been closed for nearly three years, the Minister understands the frustration but acknowledges Post Office Ltd's decision based on commercial viability. The Minister will continue to monitor network numbers in the hon. Member's area and engage with Post Office to reclassify branches classed as temporarily closed. Outreach services are an important means of maintaining access, though bricks-and-mortar shops remain preferred for convenience and social value. The retail sector has undergone significant changes accelerated by covid-19, and the Government continue to explore new business opportunities to support high streets across the UK. Post offices will need to keep up with consumer demands, such as click and collect services now offered in over 3,100 branches. In conclusion, the Minister is committed to safeguarding the post office network and ensuring it continues to serve constituencies for many years to come.