§ Mr. ChidgeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what changes to the Link network charging structure require approval by the Office of Fair Trading; [108445]
(2) if he will use his powers under the Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1976 to prevent banks introducing surcharges for cash machine withdrawals. [108444]
§ Dr. HowellsI understand that the current LINK agreement is not registerable under the Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1976.
From 1 March, any changes to the current LINK agreement will fall to be considered by the Director General of Fair Trading under the prohibitions of the Competition Act 1998.
§ Mr. ChidgeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received from the members of the Link network regarding the possible introduction of surcharges for cash machine withdrawals. [108443]
§ Dr. HowellsMy Department has received representations on this subject from Barclays Bank, the Co-operative Bank, and the Nationwide Building Society.