HL Deb 04 March 1969 vol 300 cc7-8
LORD AIREDALE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will endeavour to persuade British Railways to open an account with the national Giro.]

LORD BOWLES

My Lords, the British Railways Board are continuing discussions with Giro as to what use the Board might make of Giro's services, but it is essentially a matter for the Board's own judgment what banking system they use and what arrangements they make to receive payments from their customers. I will see, however, that the attention of the Board is brought to the noble Lord's interest in this matter.

LORD AIREDALE

My Lords, I am much obliged for that Answer.

LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYE

My Lords, could the Minister say what use such an account with the Giro bank would be, in that it does not lend money and British Rail are always having to borrow?

LORD BOWLES

My Lords, I think that is rather a different matter.

THE EARL OF DUNDONALD

My Lords, may I put it this way? Is it not the fact that Giro does not operate for a customer who is permanently "in the red"? Is not that the answer to the Question?

LORD BOWLES

No, my Lords, it is not the answer. That is why Giro is asking the British Railways Board to open an account.