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Business of the House

It has always been a delight to debate these issues with the hon. Gentleman, because he is what I would call a proper Conservative. He believes in conserving things even in the face of obvious market forces. While the Government have direct responsibility for post office services, that is not so in relation to highly competitive international operations such as our modern clearing banks. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman could tell the House how the Conservative party would ensure that rural bank branches remain open. Is he suggesting a subsidy, or some way in which the Government might interfere in the market to provide such facilities? I look forward to hearing his suggestions. In the light of what he has to say, I might be minded to grant a debate on the subject.