§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the increase in the profitability before exceptionals of the retail banks in 1993 and 1994. [25477]
§ Mr. NelsonA comprehensive estimate embracing all retail banks could be provided only at disproportionate cost. But part III of the Bank of England's Banking Act report for 1994–95, laid before the House on 24 May, includes a table showing the operating profits before bad debts; together with the pre and post-tax profits, of the larger United Kingdom banks for each year from 1990 to 1994.