§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on the use by benefit claimants of banks as opposed to post offices; and what weight he gave to the likely impact of his policy on sub-post offices.
§ Mr. PortilloClaimants in receipt of benefits paid by computer are offered the choice of payment either by direct credit to a bank account or by order book at a post office. Full consideration was given to the likely impact on the post office network but it is clear that many claimants find payment directly to a bank more convenient.