HC Deb 20 March 2000 vol 346 cc444-5W
Mr. Bob Russell

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what representations he has made to Barclays Bank plc over its branch closure policy; and if he will make a statement; [114910]

(2) what representations he has made to Barclays Bank plc over its branch closure policy in respect of the Government's policy on social exclusion; and if he will make a statement; [114881]

(3) what representations he has made to Barclays Bank plc over its branch closure policy; and if he will make statement. [114907]

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what representations he has received concerning the closure of bank branches in rural areas; and if he will make a statement; [114946]

(2) what assessment his Department has made of the impact of bank branch closures on rural areas. [115203]

Mr. Sayeed

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what plans he has to encourage banks to install ATM machines that both dispense cash and accept cash deposits; [115255]

(2) what plans he has to encourage high street banks to co-operate in sharing premises and overheads to avert closures in villages and rural towns; [115253]

(3) what plans he has to encourage high street banks to set up mini-branches in rural sub-post offices in areas where no high street bank is present. [115254]

Dr. Jack Cunningham

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has made to Barclays Bank plc over their branch closure policy in rural areas; what reply he has received; and if he will make a statement. [115243]

Miss Melanie Johnson

The Treasury have received such representations from time to time. The Treasury Policy Action Team (PAT 14) report "Access to Financial Services" said that the way forward lies in developing new and alternative means to deliver and provide banking services, including through the Post Office network. A number of banks already have agreements with the Post Office to provide banking services through post offices.