Written question asked by Lord Field of Birkenhead (Labour) on Monday, 26 April 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 4 May 1999. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 May 1999 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what proportion of girocheques are cashed (a) in post offices and banks and (b) in shops which offer to cash cheques on the spot. - Includes figures and fact that information on the proportion of the latter, which have initially been cashed in shops which offer to cash cheques on the sport, is not available.

Answer: Mr. Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of girocheques are cashed (a) in post offices and banks and (b) in shops which offer to cash cheques on the spot. [82625] Mr. Timms: Of the total number of girocheques cashed, 93 per cent. are cashed at post offices and 7 per cent. are presented to banks or building societies for clearance. Information on the proportion of the latter, which have initially been cashed in shops which offer to cash cheques on the spot, is not available.

Secondary information