Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Gavin Strang (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 29 October 2008 on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Banking Sector

Question: May I thank my hon. Friend for his active involvement in the banking crisis? Does he agree that the futures of the Royal Bank of Scotland and Halifax Bank of Scotland are of huge significance to Edinburgh, the south-east of Scotland and to the Scottish economy as a whole? Will he continue to work with the Prime Minister and the Chancellor to support the banking system and above all to sustain as many financial sector jobs as possible in Scotland for the long term?

Answer: My right hon. Friend has a long history of campaigning on these issues, and he has taken a close interest in the current difficulties faced by Scottish banks and banks throughout the UK. I look forward to discussing these matters with him in further detail over the weeks ahead. Unfortunately, however, some people involved in international banking and banking institutions in the UK took reckless decisions that put at risk other people's savings and mortgages. While risk is an essential part of a market, taking irresponsible risks with other people's well-being must come to an end.

Secondary information