§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she is taking to simplify the application process for Post Office card accounts; and what representations she has received from postmasters about the administrative process. [119723]
§ Mr. Timms[holding answer 18 June 2003]: DTI Ministers and officials regularly receive representations from postmasters on a range of issues, including many aspects of universal banking. The Government are keen to ensure that customers receive a good service and would be willing to consider changes to the present arrangement should that prove to be necessary. At the present time, however, we are satisfied that the application process for a Post Office card account is operating satisfactorily in the interests of customers.