Universal Banking Services Baroness Miller of Hendon asked Her Majesty's Government:What progress has been made towards the establishment of the universal bank. [HL286] Lord Sainsbury of Turville Agreement in principle was reached on 20 December 2000 with the following six banks, Barclays, Lloyds TSB Ltd, RBS/Nat West, HSBC, Abbey National and the Halifax, to contribute towards universal banking services at the Post Office. Discussions continue with other banks and building societies to examine what contributions they can make. Baroness Miller of Hendon asked Her Majesty's Government:How many high street banks have agreed to fund the universal bank; and which they are. [HL287] Lord Sainsbury of Turville To date, six banks have agreed in principle to fund universal banking services at the Post Office. They are Barclays, Lloyds TSB, RBS/Nat West, HSBC, Abbey National and the Halifax. Baroness Miller of Hendon asked Her Majesty's Government:How much money they have agreed to contribute to the universal bank; on what terms; and for how long. [HL288] Lord Sainsbury of Turville Until the full details of universal banking services have been settled, it is too early to say what government support may be required. Baroness Miller of Hendon asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the funding of the universal bank provided by the high street banks is a once and for all payment or whether it is unlimited. [HL289] Lord Sainsbury of Turville To date six high street banks have agreed in principle to contribute to universal banking services for a time period of five years. Baroness Miller of Hendon asked Her Majesty's Government:When the terms of the funding of the universal bank by the high street banks will be published. [HL290] Lord Sainsbury of Turville The terms of funding universal banking services are commercially confidential to the Post Office and to those high street banks which agree to contribute.