Interesting idea. BUT a more telling contribution to creating jobs and growth would be if the bank used its database to show which goods are imported into UK. Then some contribution to a system for import substitution would not only help balance of payments, but create jobs and growth!! How do I know this would work? Because when I was in the bank in the 80s we did just such an exercise as a pilot - it worked. I was rewarded with a better job, but the idea did not progress. The Chambers of Commerce could an perhaps should fund the research. I am off on hols now for 2 weeks, if anyone thinks they would like to know more contact me through Business Desk, they send me 2 emails every day!!!

David Deanshaw