To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer

(1) what steps he proposes to take in light of the recent vote on draft EU legislation on basic bank accounts; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what recent discussions he has had with the EU on basic bank accounts.

The Government are committed to improving access to financial services for individuals.

The European Commission published the proposed Payment Account Directive in May 2013. The Government is supportive of the aim of the proposed Directive. Treasury Ministers and officials have and will continue to work closely with counterparts in Europe to ensure the right outcome for the UK consumer and industry.

There are no plans to make a further statement.