To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the oral answer from the Minister for Work, of 7 July 2003, Official Report, column 738, if he will list the (a) objectives referred to by the Minister and (b) time by which each such objective is to be met. [125385]

[holding answer 11 July 2003]: The Department has a published Public Service Agreement that by 2005, 85 per cent. of customers will have their benefits paid by Direct Payment. The successful introduction of Universal banking services on 1 April 2003 has ensured that customers will continue to be able to access their money at the Post Office if they wish—just as they do now.