Giro

HC Deb 16 December 1977 vol 941 cc563-5W

Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Industry to what extent his Department makes use of Giro facilities;

areas, giving in each case the date of designation, the rate of unemployment at the time of designation and current rate, and the criteria used to justify appropriate designation, especially when a change in designation has been made.

Mr. Cryer

The information requested is as follows:

what is the estimated annual value of such Giro transactions; and what regular consideration is given to extending the use of Giro.

Mr. Les Huckfield

The Departments of Industry, Trade, 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.