§ Mr. Wrigglesworthasked the Secretary of State for Trade what action has been taken on the Price Commission's recommendation that consultations should take place between his Department and the banks with a view to requiring disclosure of general provisions for had and doubtful debts and movements in those provisions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Wrigglesworthasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection (1) what action has been taken on the Price Commission's recommendation that there should be greater flexibility of bank opening hours so retail banking services can be provided to the public whenever there is a commercially justifiable demand; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what action has been taken on the Price Commission's recommendations that: (a) all agreements relating to jointly negotiated tariffs and joint working arrangements between banks should be brought before the Restrictive Trade Practices Court as soon as possible to test the public interest and (b) the exemption from registration of the cartel arrangements of the Irish Banks should be removed in relation to their operations in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what action has been taken on; the Price Commission's recommendation that banking tariffs for small businesses should be published in the same way as tariffs for personal customers; and if he will make a statement;
971W(4) what action has been taken on the Price Commission's recommendation for rationalisation and cost saving of cash distribution arrangements in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement;
(5) what action has been taken on the Price Commission's recommendation that the Treasury should satisfy itself that Government Departments are complying with the requirement to obtain competitive quotations for money transmission services, which the Commission believe to be incompatible with jointly negotiated tariffs; and if he will make a statement;
(6) what action has been taken on the Price Commission's recommendations that full membership of the Committee of London clearing banks should be opened to all substantial retail banking institutions and that the Bank of England should regulate conditions of membership of the Bankers' Clearing House and the allocation of costs between members; and if he will make a statement;
(7) what action has been taken on the Price Commission's recommendation that the trustee savings banks' constitutional arrangements should be reviewed by the Treasury to allow closer links between the banks and a more effective presence in retail banking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaclennanI have been asked to reply.
The recommendations in the Price Commission's report on bank charges are being discussed with interested parties. My right hon. Friend expects to make a statement in the next few weeks.