§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what examination he has made of the establishment and running costs of the proposed universal bank; and if he will integrate the Horizon platform into the existing Link electronic banking network and make an estimate of the costs associated. [143582]
§ Mr. Alan JohnsonThe Post Office is currently considering different IT platforms through which it can connect to banks and has fully investigated the Link proposition. The final decision will depend on the cost and functionality offered by the different options. Any platform chosen will need to work through the Horizon system.
§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with the Link interchange network about the proposals for a universal bank. [143583]
§ Mr. Alan JohnsonThe Post Office has discussed its proposals for universal banking services with a range of banks and other financial service institutions, including with the Link interchange network.