RISK TO HBOS JOBS IN HALIFAX

That this House notes that the current financial crisis has led to the demise of longstanding banking institutions; further notes the plight of Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS); applauds the Government for facilitating the merger of HBOS and Lloyds TSB to prevent a further bank from failing; further notes with worry and anxiety the risk to over 4,500 jobs at HBOS's headquarters in the town of Halifax, where it is the second largest employer, Calderdale and the wider region; is concerned about the knock-on economic effect on the town's economy; asks that no preference is given to any particular location when saving jobs but that the centrality of the town of Halifax to the Halifax brand should be recognised; and urges Lloyds TSB and the Treasury to do what it can to ensure that there are no compulsory redundancies in Halifax.