§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many credit unions operate in the UK; and what links his Department has with them; [125643]
(2) what plans he has to (a) extend the areas from which credit unions can borrow and (b) amend the legislation in respect of credit unions. [125644]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThere are currently 860 credit unions in operation in the UK of which 675 are in Great Britain. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland is responsible for credit unions in Northern Ireland. The Government announced on 16 November 1999 a package of measures designed to help credit unions to grow, some of which have been included in the Financial Services and Markets Bill. There will be further consultation on extending the areas from which credit unions can borrow.