HC Deb 19 January 2004 vol 416 c997W
Annabelle Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has made to the Scottish clearing banks about their participation in the Post Office Universal Bank. [148751]

Mrs. McGuire

I have regular contact with ministerial colleagues and representatives from the industry.

As a result of discussions with the Government, all of the UK's major banks, including the Scottish clearing banks, are participating in the Universal Banking project by giving access to basic bank accounts at post offices.

The Government would urge all banks to provide their customers with access to their accounts through post offices. However, the decision to do so rests with individual institutions.

Mr. Tynan

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to encourage Scottish banks to make their services available through the Post Office branch network. [148957]

Mrs. McGuire

I have regular contact with ministerial colleagues and representatives from the industry.

All of the major Scottish banks currently allow access to their basic bank accounts through the Post Office branch network. Post Office Ltd. also provides access to a range of other bank accounts and is seeking to expand these in conjunction with all the major institutions.

The Government would urge all banks to provide their customers with access to their accounts through post offices. However, the decision to do so rests with individual institutions.