§ Mr. RuaneTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what assessment he has made of the impact of bank closures on financial activities and investment levels in communities that have experienced bank closures; and if he will make a statement; [129663]
(2) what steps he has taken to encourage banks to make social impact assessments before announcing branch closures. [129712]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson[holding answer 7 July 2000]: The Government have challenged banks to develop new products and delivery channels—including working closely with the Post Office on its plans for a Universal bank—to meet the financial services needs of deprived communities.