§ Mr. Wrigglesworthasked the Secretary of State for Industry when his Department's banking business was last put out to competitive tender.
§ Mr. Wrigglesworthasked the Secretary of State for Energy when his Department's banking business was last put out to competitive tender.
§ Mr. Wrigglesworthasked the Secretary of State for Trade when his Department's banking business was last put out to competitive tender.
§ Mr. Wrigglesworthasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection when his Department's banking business was last put out to competitive tender.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldI have been asked to reply also to the Questions addressed to the Secretaries of State for Energy, Trade, and Prices and Consumer Protection.
The Departments of Industry, Trade, Prices and Consumer Protection and Energy share common accounts services. The Paymaster-General acts as banker, makes payments, receives money and holds balances. Commercial banking services are used for cash requirements and for the transfer of receipts and balances to the Paymaster-General's account at the Bank of England. Banking arrangements are reviewed periodically to ensure that the best possible terms are secured and, where appropriate, competitive quotations are invited.