---

Banking Bill

I thank the noble Lords, Lord Borrie and Lord Newby, for their support on this amendment. I do not know how easy it is to accept the Minister’s remarks about the competition authorities after recent experience has shown that, if it suits, they can all too easily be completely ignored. Lloyds/HBOS is a prime example. A bank that could not possibly have been put together under normal circumstances will have a market position that enables it, if it so chooses, to completely ignore some of the competition. There is little comfort in that as a protection. However, I am grateful to the Minister for his assurance— although it would be a pleasant surprise if his charming words of support, sympathy and encouragement could sometimes have a practical result. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 14 withdrawn.