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The Tote

That is absolutely right, but I can tell my hon. Friend that in my view the status quo is not an option. If we are not careful, we will lose—indeed, we are losing—some of our best people in Wigan. If we are to take advantage of the international marketplace, we must do so now. The worst thing in business is uncertainty and we have massive uncertainty in Wigan. The Tote is a very good product, and it has proved itself time and time again. It has definitely proved itself in the international marketplace. From my discussions with people outside the UK, I believe that they would look to the UK to run the international Tote. We cannot leave things in the status quo position. We have to take decisive action. We can do one of two things. We can do what I suggest and flog the shops and set up the Tote; or we can make a clear statement that nothing will happen for X number of years. We cannot leave the Tote in its current position. The Tote is haemorrhaging, which is undermining it. At the end of the day, it will wither on the vine. I am as much to blame as anyone for what has happened, but not wholly so. Nelly Kroes of the European Commission was involved as a result of a challenge raised in Europe. The situation is also a result of our not being more constructive in trying to find a solution, so I take part of the blame. However, I have spoken to a lot of people over the last week or so, and I honestly believe that there is a will to move forward, and that everyone agrees with the basic formula, which includes decoupling the shops.