To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he plans to take to speed up the payment of compensation to consumers who have experienced excessive overdraft charges; and if he will make a statement. (172748)

There is currently a test case before the courts, taken by the Office of Fair Trading, to determine whether charges for unauthorised overdrafts come within the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999, and if so whether such charges are fair. This test case is expected to be heard in the new year. It would not be appropriate for the Chancellor to comment further while the case is ongoing.