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Northern Rock

Listening to media reports this morning, it seemed as though the Conservative party were dead set on destroying the great northern institution of Northern Rock, and were prepared to see its assassination in their bitter opposition to nationalisation. However, it now seems that we are hearing different things for different audiences. I can tell my right hon. Friend that people in the north-east, and particularly the bank's staff, will welcome the announcement of the establishment of a framework agreement. He will understand the considerable anxiety among the population at large in the north-east, particularly those staff. May I press him to undertake early publication of a business plan so that stability is brought to the business at the earliest possible date?