It was just telling me whether they could transfer some money electronically to a small Building Society. 

Nothing Exciting!

I object to having to ring an 0844 number for an on-line account just to activate a debit card, so sent a secure message instead. Below is the reply I received:

"We ask that customers contact us to confirm that their debit cards have been received, as a security measure. Also, if the debit cards needed to be activated on the call, it could be actioned immediately. We may not respond to a secure e-mail before you are needing to make use of your debit card and this could cause some inconvenience to yourself.

The fee when calling an 0844 telephone numbere, from a BT landline, is 6 pence connection fee and 5 pence a minute whilst on the call.

However, we have noted your Premier Direct Current Account, of the receipt of the debit cards, for you. You do not need to take any further action."

Job done!!