§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 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. DunnA number of the Departments for which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is responsible make use of Giro facilities. Short-term social security benefits and apprentices' wages and trainees' allowances at Government training centres are paid by Giro to an estimated yearly value of £103½ million. In addition, the facility is used for payment of rates and other similar payments which, in the year ended 31st March 1977, amounted to £5,832,000.
There are at present no plans to extend the use of Giro, but the matter is kept under regular review.