§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and industry what plans she has to publish details of her Department's financial support for Huntingdon Life Sciences; what precedent she intends her support to set; and if she will make a statement. [2322]
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§ Ms HewittMy Department has undertaken to operate banking facilities for Huntingdon Life Sciences, which—owing to intimidation of bank staff by animal rights extremists—has been unable to find commercial facilities in the UK, while negotiations with banks continue. It is not giving overdraft facilities or other financial support to Huntingdon Life Sciences. My Department will be recovering the direct costs of providing this service from the company.
My Department is operating the banking facilities in particularly unusual circumstances. The intimidation and harassment of providers of financial services to a particular company carrying out a legitimate and strictly regulated business is, the Government believe, unique. It is not intended that Government should become a "supplier of last resort" for any company that experiences temporary difficulties. However, the Government as a whole are determined that vital research and safety testing should not be disrupted and legitimate businesses should not be forced out of business by the criminal activities of animal extremists.