§ Mr. BreedTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by what date he estimates all post offices will be able to provide online banking services. [143283]
§ Mr. Alan JohnsonOver 15,000 post offices (83 per cent. of the network) are now online and the Horizon programme is well on schedule for completion next spring. Horizon now includes smartcard compatibility and opens the door for the provision of online banking services throughout the post office network. The Post Office is currently considering different IT platforms compatible with Horizon through which it can connect to banks. Their final decision will depend on the cost and functionality offered by the different options.
§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with post office representatives concerning the potential usage by post offices of the LINK electronic banking network. [143581]
§ Mr. Alan Johnson[holding answer 20 December 2000]: The usage by post offices of the LINK electronic banking network is a commercial matter for the Post Office.