§ 25. Mr. Tom HarrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when she next plans to meet representatives from credit unions in Scotland to discuss financial exclusion. [65322]
§ Mrs. McGuireI am very aware of the importance of credit unions' role in tackling financial exclusion in Scotland and look forward to meetings with representatives. The Financial Services Authority commenced its new regulatory regime for credit unions at the beginning of July. This regime is in place to ensure that depositors are appropriately protected. The Scottish Executive have made available funding support which, among other aims, is designed to help unions adjust to the new arrangements.