Banking: Royal Bank of Scotland — Question

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 3:04 pm on 1 February 2011.

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Photo of Lord Sassoon Lord Sassoon The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury 3:04, 1 February 2011

My Lords, with regards to the proposed possible settlement with the banks in Project Merlin, discussions are ongoing with the intention of seeing that the banks pay smaller bonuses than they would otherwise; that they are more transparent about their pay; that they make a greater contribution to local communities and the regional economies; that they treat customers fairly; and that they lend, materially and verifiably, more than they were planning to the businesses of Britain-especially small and medium-sized enterprise-so that they can grow and create this year. If we do not get such a settlement, my right honourable friend the Chancellor has made it clear that nothing is off the table. As to the Independent Commission on Banking, it is an independent banking commission and it will do its own thing as it sees fit.