§ Brian CotterTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he is taking to ensure the maintenance of banking facilities in sole bank communities and those areas with limited access to bank branches. [141651]
§ Ruth KellyBranch closures are commercial decision for banks to make and the Government does not intervene in such decisions. However, the Government expects banks, to consider whether disadvantaged communities have sufficient access to financial services, when making operational decisions.
§ Brian CotterTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received regarding the implementation of the revised Banking Code in relation to guidelines on notice periods for branch closures. [141652]
§ Ruth KellyThe implementation of the Banking Code is a matter for the Banking Code Standards Board, which is responsible for its development, production and continuing revision.