§ Dr. CableTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures he has taken to ensure that banks address issues of financial exclusion arising from branch closures. [97128]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonBanks are being encouraged to develop appropriate products and delivery channels to suit the needs and circumstances of financially excluded people.
§ Dr. CableTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he is taking to ensure that banks in England and Wales and Northern Ireland follow the lead of Scottish banks in offering basic bank accounts within minimal legal requirements to any customers who need and seek one. [97127]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonA number of banks already offer these accounts to customers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and others are planning to do so next year. The Treasury will continue to monitor such developments.
§ Dr. CableTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will start rating the banks using post code information currently available on the basis of the extent to which they are providing credit and banking services to every part of the country. [97113]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThere are no plans to introduce such a scheme.