HC Deb 13 December 1983 vol 50 cc381-2W
Mr. Nicholas Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why the National Girobank will not accept accounts in the names of people suffering mental illness or mental handicap.

Mr. Trippier

This is a commercial matter for National Girobank. However, I understand that a person who by reason of a mental handicap or disorder is incapable of managing and administering his property and affairs is also usually considered unfitted to give a bank legally binding instructions about the operation of a bank account. The appropriate course in these circumstances is for a relative of such a person to apply to the court of protection which has powers to appoint a receiver to look after that person's affairs. National Girobank would consider an application to open an account in the name of a properly appointed receiver for such a person.

these how many were employed in manufacturing industry; and what are the corresponding figures for the latest available date.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

The information is not available for March 1974. Figures for June 1974 and June 1983 are as follows:

(Thousands)
June 1974 June 1983
Total employees in employment 992 883
Manufacturing industry 336 208

Source: Department of Employment Census of Employment—1974, Quarterly estimates—1983.