Debates between John Healey and Gareth Thomas during the 2010-2015 Parliament

Financial Services Bill

Debate between John Healey and Gareth Thomas
Tuesday 22nd May 2012

(12 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Gareth Thomas Portrait Mr Thomas
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Is not one of the unsung successes of the building society movement that it has sought to maintain an effective and broad-based branch network in the communities from which they grew, which sadly is not necessarily something that can be attributed to the major banks? There were wholesale bank branch closures in the last generation, and they are beginning again.

John Healey Portrait John Healey
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My hon. Friend, who knows far more about this matter than me and many in the House, is absolutely right. At a time when a loss of trust and confidence in financial services is evident across the board, that local presence and face-to-face relationship counts for a great deal.