To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what guidance has been provided by (a) his Department and (b) the Financial Services Authority to banks and building societies taking part in the direct debit guarantee on whether (a) the explicit consent of customers is needed and (b) customers should be informed in writing when a supplier or company wishes to increase the amount that can be deducted from the customer's bank account by direct debit. (175169)

Neither the Government nor the Financial Services Authority provides guidance to banks and building societies on the direct debit guarantee. This guarantee is an industry-developed scheme, operated by all banks and building societies that take part in the direct debit scheme. The efficiency and security of the scheme is monitored and protected by banks and building societies.