I wonder how they'll actually forbid the use of cheques; will a bank be actually unable to advertise that they will honour them? The entire idea of the cheque began quite without governmental intervention, although I suppose that in modern times the government clearinghouses perform a pretty vital role.
Government clearing houses? I thought this was just about benefit payments no longer being made by cheque (or checks if you're in the US). AFAIK the clearing system is oeprated by the banks themselves.