Mandleson must publish OFT report on HBoS immediately - Carmichael (North Tayside Liberal Democrats)

North Tayside Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Mandleson must publish OFT report on HBoS immediately - Carmichael

October 24, 2008 11:15 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Commenting on the OFT's report on the competition implications of the proposed Lloyds TSB - HBoS merger, which the Business Secretary has received but not yet published, Liberal Democrat Shadow Scotland Secretary, Alistair Carmichael said:

"Peter Mandelson must publish this report in full and immediately. If the competition implications of the merger are to be ignored then the Government must explain why.

"Alistair Darling must clarify the Government's position, in light of reports that the Treasury is now indicating that an independent HBoS could get money from the Bank Reconstruction Fund.

"Scotland needs certainty and stability in the midst of troubling economic conditions. The mixed messages the Government is giving on the future of an independent HBoS are unhelpful at best."