§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) whether he will 337W place in the Library copies of any report or reports containing evidence of the need for the Post Office Giro to extend its operations by offering overdraft facilities to companies and of the likely demand for such facilities;
(2) what independent evidence was produced to him as to the need for the Post Office Giro to extend its operations by offering overdraft facilities to companies and of the likely demand for such facilities; and what evidence to this effect was produced by the Post Office.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieA number of studies, commissioned by National Giro, into the demand for wider banking facilities, including the provision of convenience overdrafts to businesses, have confirmed the need for such facilities. Major business customers have also asked Giro directly for overdraft facilities. These findings were taken into account by the Government in framing its proposals for the extension of the Post Office's banking powers. The market studies contain information of commercial value. As is normal in these circumstances, it would be inappropriate to make them public.