HC Deb 20 June 2002 vol 387 cc500-1W
Mr. Andrew Turner

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether agreement has been reached with the banks on the cost to(a) his Department and (b) account holders of payment of benefits through bank accounts. [60844]

Malcolm Wicks

Over 40 per cent. of customers are currently paid directly into their bank accounts. Each payment costs taxpayers one penny as opposed to the overall cost of £1.47 for each girocheque cashed and 68p for each order book foil presented. Banks do not normally charge their customers for making withdrawals from their accounts.