In Verbs^x, Indirect speech^x, Regards^x

wrt: with regard to Someone from the UK mentioned to me that: -- For example, a shop assistant might say " did you want a bag with that ?" as a slightly less direct and more polite form of " do you want a bag with that ?" -- Some consider that a form of indirect speech, which...

I am wondering whether it should be "...he said he was being...and was planning..." as it is indrect speech. It could have been restated as you suggest, but it is fine as is. This is an example of "immediately reported" indirect speech. What is "immediate", i.e., "the present", can be...