§ Mr. Salmondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the implications for the Scottish economy of the proposed purchase by the National Australia bank of the Clydesdale bank; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangThe question of any statutory intervention, of course, falls to the consideration of my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.
My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, however, in terms of his responsibilities for the Scottish economy, has noted with interest the statement by the National Australia bank management that they intend that the Clydesdale bank will have a greater degree of autonomy than it has enjoyed in the recent past, and that they see Clydesdale as a springboard for further expansion in the United Kingdom and Europe.