Question to the HM Treasury:

Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to prohibit credit card companies from placing pressure on shops to refuse to accept cash payments; and if not, why not.

Cash continues to play a key role in the UK economy, making up around half of all payments. The Government remains committed to widespread free access to cash and consumer choice in payments. The Government would not be able to prohibit credit card companies from placing pressure on shops to refuse to accept cash payments as this is a commercial decision. However, given the continued importance of cash we would not expect credit card companies to do so.