§ Mr. LilleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the proposed universal bank will be expected to operate on an arm's-length commercial basis without subsidy. [130648]
§ Mr. Byers[holding answer 17 July 2000]: Until a business case has been completed and approved, it is too early to say what, if any. Government contribution may be required.
§ Mr. LilleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the proposed universal bank operating through sub-post offices will be competing with the Alliance and Leicester Girobank in the provision of certain services. [130649]
§ Mr. Byers[holding answer 17 July 2000]: A major strength of the Post Office is the extensive reach of the post office network and its ability to provide access to a wide range of banking products on behalf of its clients. The extent to which the universal bank may compete with certain services offered by Alliance and Leicester Girobank or other banks will depend on the range of basic banking services these banks wish to make available through the post office network.
§ Mr. LilleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultations have taken place between his Department, the Post Office and Alliance and Leicester Girobank about the establishment of a universal bank operating through sub-post offices. [130695]
§ Mr. Byers[holding answer 17 July 2000]: Consultations are in progress between the Post Office and a wide range of banks including Alliance and Leicester Girobank, about the establishment of a universal bank operating through the post office network.