§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps her Department is taking to promote the use of the Post Office card; and whether it is giving bank and building society accounts preference over the card method of payment. [108321]
§ Mr. TimmsThe Post Office card account is one of a range of accounts that people can use to receive benefit payments into, and which will enable people who wish to do so to be able to collect their benefits in cash at post offices. Our aim is that people should be able to choose the option that suits them best. Information about all the options is being supplied to benefit, pension and tax394W credit customers by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Inland Revenue. Post Office Ltd. is also making its own information material available to customers.
§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals she has for facilitating the use of the Post Office card by(a) disabled beneficiaries and (b) users and beneficiaries acting through home helps or social workers. [108325]
§ Mr. TimmsThe Government and the Post Office are working to provide a high quality range of services for all our customers, including those who wish to use the Post Office card account. As the service provider it is the responsibility for Post Office Ltd to ensure the accessibility of the Post Office card account.