HC Deb 04 December 2001 vol 376 cc161-2W
Mr. Lazarowicz

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions she has had with the First Minister on the development of Community Banking in Scotland. [14526]

Mrs. Liddell

I have regular discussions with the First Minister on a wide range of issues.

The first community banking agreement in the UK is being piloted between the community of Wester Hailes in Edinburgh and the Bank of Scotland. Funding for the scheme has been provided by the Bank of Scotland and the Scottish Executive through the West Edinburgh Pathfinder initiative.