HC Deb 12 May 1971 vol 817 cc349-50
1. Mr. Dykes

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the latest developments with Giro and the prospect for Giro transactions for the rest of the current trading period.

2. Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will now make a further statement on the future of the National Giro.

The Minister of Posts and Telecommunications (Mr. Christopher Chataway)

I hope to be able to make a statement soon.

Mr. Dykes

I appreciate that it may be difficult to give a longer answer now, but does not my right hon. Friend agree that there is considerable uncertainty about the Giro and that the sooner it is allayed, the better? If the question mark against its commercial viability continues, changes might, even with regret, be necessary.

Mr. Chataway

I appreciate what my hon. Friend says. I am anxious to get an answer quickly, but I am more anxious to get the right answer.

Mr. Crawshaw

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that now that the teething troubles are over, the prospects of the Giro being a viable enterprise are ap- parent? Will he give an assurance that it will not be axed, as so many other things under the Tory Government?

Mr. Chataway

As the hon. Gentleman indicated, this interprise got off to a very unfortunate start. There are certainly errors to be retrieved, but I am not in a position to comment further today.

Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

Is the right hon. Gentleman making any progress in persuading his colleagues in the Government to encourage their Departments to use this service?

Mr. Chataway

I cannot add to my reply to that point on a previous occasion that I answered Questions.