RURAL BANKING SERVICES

Early day motion 73, tabled 17 May 2005 by Michael Weir (Scottish National Party). Signed by 17 members.

That this House notes with concern that the National Australia Bank, owners of the Clydesdale Bank and the Yorkshire Bank, are proposing to close many branches in Scotland and the North of England, including some where it is the only bank left in the community; believes that this measure will deprive many communities of banking services, which will be seriously detrimental to rural areas; expresses further concern that the loss of post office services and banking illustrates the folly of the Government's insistence on payment of pensions and benefits into bank accounts; and calls for a reversal of that policy.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 7, Scottish National Party 6, Labour 2, Conservative 1, DUP 1.