§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he is taking to bring about the reduction of charges to customers by banks operating in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [165784]
§ Mr. GardinerBanking is a reserved matter under Schedule 3 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and Northern Ireland Departments have no powers in this area. The hon. Lady will, however, wish to note that the General Consumer Council for Northern Ireland (GCCNI) produced a report, "Short Changed", in 2002, which highlighted the need to make banking easy, affordable and accessible for all Northern Ireland's consumers. In subsequent press releases, GCCNI has advised consumers to shop around and has called on local banks to scrap unnecessary charges and advertise the existence of their low-cost basic bank accounts. It is also promoting financial education initiatives. Powers in relation to the areas referred to by the hon. Lady are vested in the Office of Fair Trading. I have asked my officials to bring the hon. Lady's concerns to the attention of that organisation to which further questions should be directed.
1718W
§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether all bank charges in Northern Ireland meet the code and ethics laid down by the UK banking industry; what steps the Government can take to protect Northern Ireland bank customers; and if he will make a statement. [165785]
§ Mr. GardinerBanking is a reserved matter under Schedule 3 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and Northern Ireland Departments have no powers in this area. Compliance with the Banking Code and the Business Banking Code is a matter for the Banking Code Standards Board. In relation to the steps the Government can take to protect Northern Ireland bank customers, I would refer the hon. Lady to the answer I gave today to Question Number 165784.