HC Deb 02 December 1959 vol 614 cc1172-3
35. Mr. Ness Edwards

asked the Postmaster-General if he will consider the introduction of the French Giro system in connection with the Post Office Savings Bank.

Mr. Bevins

The question raised by the Radcliffe Report whether the Post Office should in certain circumstances set up a Giro system on continental lines raises big issues. It requires, and is receiving, exhaustive study. I cannot yet say when conclusions will be reached.

Mr. Ness Edwards

As the right hon. Gentleman is aware, the Post Office Savings Bank has been the "Cinderella" service of the Post Office for a very long time. Will he apply his energies to trying to bring this Cinderella very much to the front and to give it this injection of new opportunities of serving the people?

Mr. Bevins

I am hoping to apply my energies in many directions, but it is rather doubtful whether the Savings Bank system as such, which after all is essentially a deposit system, could be adapted to a system involving current transactions. We shall have to examine that very carefully. We also have to consider whether in this country, with its highly developed joint stock banking system, the Giro system would meet the public need.

Mr. Ness Edwards

We hope that the right hon. Gentleman will not allow the private interests of the joint stock companies to stand in the way of what may well be a very great social convenience.

Mr. Bevins

I made it clear that we are carrying out a purely objective examination. I hope to report back to the House quite soon.