§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Energy to what extent his Department makes use of Giro facilities; what is the estimated annual value of such Giro transactions; and what regular consideration is given to extending the use of Giro.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldI have been asked to reply.
The Departments of Industry, Trade and Prices and Consumer Protection and Energy share common accounts services. National Giro is used where the payee so requests and where it is the most efficient and economical method.
The value of transactions using National Giro facilities was £15.15 million in 1976–77 in respect of the four Departments. Separate information for each Department could not be provided without incurring disproportionate expense.
Alternative money transmission methods are reviewed regularly using the criteria of efficiency and overall cost.