HC Deb 10 January 2000 vol 342 cc28-9W
Mr. Crausby

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with the banking industry on advertising charges for the use of cash machines. [104285]

Dr. Howells

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has corresponded with the British Bankers Association about charges for cash machines. My officials have also met representatives of Barclays Bank, the Nationwide Building Society and the British Bankers Association to discuss this issue.

Mr. Crausby

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to ensure clearing bank cash machines pre-notify customers of charges. [104284]

Dr. Howells

My Department is currently discussing the issue of charges for bank cash machines with the banking industry, HM Treasury and Don Cruickshank's team.

Our approach to this issue was set out by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on 13 December 1999, Official Report, column 16W.

Mr. Crausby

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many clearing banks pre-notify charges for cash machine withdrawals. [104286]

Dr. Howells

I understand that banks generally inform their customers about such charges by letter or when cash cards are issued.

While some banks' cash machines give a general on-screen warning to the effect that a particular card issuer may levy a charge, I am not aware of any bank which indicates on-screen how much any charge will be.