HC Deb 22 January 1963 vol 670 cc3-5
2. Mr. W. R. Williams

asked the Postmaster-General whether he now intends to introduce a giro system to be operated by the Post Office.

The Postmaster-General (Mr. Reginald Bevins)

I am afraid that I cannot at present add to the answer I gave to the hon. Gentleman on 27th March last.

Mr. Williams

As this matter has now been under active consideration by

Miss Pike

That is another question. I wish to take this opportunity to apologise to the right hon. Member for Easington. I should have said that the Savings Certificate Division was moving and not the Savings Bank.

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the Post Office for nearly five years, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it time that he became frank with the House and stated what he proposes to do with this new facility?

Mr. Bevins

The position is that the Government are not yet convinced of the need for a Post Office giro in the long term. Certain developments are taking place over a very wide field, as the hon. Member knows, and we shall continue to examine the public need for a giro in the Post Office.

Mr. Williams

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a growing feeling amongst the staff associations and other people outside that the banking interests are getting on very quickly with this matter? Why, therefore, are we allowing them to have an unfair advantage over the Post Office, which would be the ideal agency for this type of system?

Mr. Bevins

It is true that joint stock banks have made some progress in this. One of the Government's considerations is that it might not be wise to duplicate systems.

Mr. Williams

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.