§ Mr. Wrigglesworthasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when his Department's banking business was last put out to competitive tender.
§ Mr. BishopIn January 1976 quotations were invited for the provision of certain banking services to my Department's main accounting centre at Guild742W ford. The bulk of my Department's banking business is, however, arranged through the Paymaster-General's Office. Standard charges agreed between the Government and the clearing banks are paid for the direct transfer of salaries and wages into the accounts of staff and for cashing open payable orders were wages are paid in that form. My Department also has a number of local bank accounts for which no charge is made. Our methods of transmitting and receiving money are kept under review.