§ Mr. Wrigglesworthasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what investigations are being carried out into a possible merger of National Giro and the National Savings Bank;
(2) if the Paymaster General's office will be included in his study of the possibility of a merger of banking organisations in the public sector.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonFollowing the statement at Blackpool by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, officials have been asked to undertake a study of the advantages which might accrue from a merger of the National Giro and the National Savings Bank, and the practical implications of such a merger. The study 733W will take in the possibility of including some or all of the functions of the Paymaster General's office in the combined organisation.