§ Dr. StoateTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress is being made with the plans to introduce a universal banking system into Post Offices; and if she will make a statement. [58273]
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§ Mr. AlexanderProgress continues to be made and a lot of detailed work is being carried out on implementing universal banking services for delivery in advance of the migration of benefit payment to ACT from April 2003.
The Department for Work and Pensions, together with the Inland Revenue and the Northern Ireland Social Security Agency have agreed contractual terms with Post Office Limited for the provision of the Card Account and are working on implementation. The major High Street banks have also agreed that counter access to their basic bank accounts will also be made available at post offices and are in detailed discussions with Post Office Limited on implementation.