Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions he has had with the banking industry on full account number portability.

Treasury Ministers and officials meet with a wide range of organisations as part of the usual policy making process.

It might be useful to know that the Treasury publishes a list of ministerial meetings with external organisations. This is available online at: http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/minister_hospitality.htm.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is currently undertaking a review of the effectiveness of the Current Account Switch Service. Alongside this review the FCA is also gathering evidence on other options to improve switching, including account number portability. The FCA expects to conclude its review in the first quarter of 2015.