asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent his Department makes use of Giro facilities what is the estimated annual value of such Giro transactions; and what regular consideration is given to extending the use of Giro.

My Departments make about 100,000 Giro payments to a value of about £3 million a year, and all money due to the departments may be paid by Giro transfer. We have encouraged the use of Giro wherever possible; for example, for the payment of rents and rates to local authorities.