Banks will endure another inquiry into aspects of their business practices, with the Economics Committee of the House of Representatives about to embark on a six-month examination of the sector.Inquiries by committees of the lower house of parliament look only into matters referred by the government, so this new inquiry, announced yesterday, has the imprimatur of the Labor cabinet.The terms of reference for the inquiry empower the committee to "undertake a stock take of the Australian retail banking and non-banking industries".The terms are somewhat ephemeral, but refer to "recent developments", "the current state" of the sector, "the likely drivers of future change" and international comparisons.At this stage the committee expects to finish its report in December.The extent to which the government is looking to use the inquiry as a platform for change, or whether it is a convenient opportunity to focus backbench and community irritation over consumer banking practices (such as wider mortgage margins and the level of some fees), isn't clear.There have already been some complaints on minor issues from ministers so far this year, mainly over account switching.The committee will present a forum for proponents of reform of mortgage funding to be heard.Some significant decisions on competitive structure have either already been made recently by the Australian cabinet (such as retaining the four pillars policy) or will be determined within the timetable laid down for this inquiry (such as a ruling by the Treasurer on whether or not to wave through the proposed takeover of St George bank by Westpac).Craig Thomson, a newly elected Labor member from the NSW central coast (and a former official of the Health Services Union) will chair the committee.Coalition members of the committee include the shadow treasurer, Malcolm Turnbull, and the former assistant treasurer, Peter Dutton.