Written question asked by Lord Stewartby (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Truscott (Labour) on Thursday, 29 March 2007.

Cash Payments

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the customer of a business supplying goods or services to the public is entitled under the provisions of legal tender to make payment of the cost price in cash at face value without surcharge.

Answer: In general, companies offering goods and services are free to use whatever contractual terms and conditions they consider reasonable, including those involving methods of payment. Where the price to be paid depends on the method of payment, the Price Indications (Method of Payment) Regulations 1991 require appropriate information to be given to consumers. If prospective customers are unhappy with the contractual terms and conditions, they can seek to renegotiate the terms in question or seek alternative suppliers.

Secondary information