The process of consulting over plans to close 2,500 post offices has been "rushed" and commercial confidentiality has prevented sensible discussion over the controversial programme, a committee of MPs said today.

The schedule of consultation with customers, and consumer and other groups, due to end in October, was described as a "very challenging timetable" by the Business and Enterprise select committee.

The MPs made a series of recommendations for improving the so-called network change programme and said there should be a presumption against closing a branch if it is the last shop in a village or a deprived urban area.

The committee said it is not satisfactory to accept that the network of post offices will continue to shrink after the 2,500 closures, which will leave about 11,500 branches.

Committee chairman Peter Luff, Tory MP for Mid Worcestershire, said the closure of 2,500 post offices is now a "done deal" but stressed that the closure programme should work for the benefit of communities as well as the business.

"As we always feared, the time constraint for the implementation of the network change programme has meant that consultation has been curtailed and the whole process has been rushed.

"It has been improving as more experience is gained but it still has serious problems. There is not enough clarity about the basis of the consultation and we are concerned that it does not always take accessibility into account.

"The secrecy in which the pre-consultation period is shrouded is also creating the impression that by the time it gets to the public consultation stage the decision on a post office's future is a fait accompli.

"If the closure process is going to go smoothly, it is essential that there is genuine consultation and it is seen as such. Importantly, the needs of communities must be given greater priority when offices are closed."

The committee noted that the Government said a network of about 7,500 post offices will be enough to meet the national criteria, but the MPs urged the business to try to keep the number at 11,500.

A Post Office spokesman said: "Since the Government's decision last year to close up to 2,500 post offices, Post Office Ltd has worked closely with consumer body Postwatch and with the National Federation of Subpostmasters to find the most sensitive way of implementing the Government's plan within the amount of money it has made available to fund the network going forward."