Business of the House

Rebecca Long Bailey Excerpts

Thursday 28th May 2015 Commons Chamber

[Rebecca Long Bailey (Salford and Eccles) (Lab)]

For some time now we have seen the monopolisation of our high street banking system by a select number of institutions. It has recently come to my attention that in Salford and Eccles a number of high street branches have been earmarked for closure. Would the Leader of the House be amenable to an open and frank discussion about the future of our banking system, so that we can offer a service that truly serves the people, rather than the interests of shareholders and hedge fund managers?

[Chris Grayling]

I welcome the hon. Lady to this House. Obviously it is important for all of our constituencies that we ensure that a proper range of services is available to our constituents. At the same time, commercial decisions have to be taken by organisations that are looking to make sure that they deliver the right service in the right places. These issues are never easy, but she will have the opportunity to make a request for an Adjournment debate—which, by the sounds of it, would have support on this side of the House as well. These are issues that can and should be debated in this House; there are opportunities for her to requisition such a debate.