Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Jim Hood (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 on behalf of the Scotland Office.

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Question: Does my right hon. Friend agree that the decision of two English local authorities to sue RBS in American courts is welcome? Will he encourage Scottish local authorities that have similar concerns to do the same? Will he assure me that the Government will be as accommodating, if necessary, to any future extradition application from America for RBS bankers as they were in the case of the NatWest three?

Answer: My hon. Friend will understand why I do not want to comment on any specific impending—or possibly impending—legal process. After centuries of success, the Scottish banks were moments from collapse. Without the intervention of the UK Government and, importantly, the UK taxpayer, the stability that we wish to return to the banks would not be possible. My hon. Friend will understand if I am not tempted to join him in speculating on the other matters that he raised.

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