OMISSION OF THE HALIFAX BRAND IN THE LLOYDS BANKING GROUP PLC

That this House notes that once the proposed acquisition of the Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS) by Lloyds TSB Plc has taken place, the combined Group's name would be Lloyds Banking Group Plc; reaffirms the importance of the town of Halifax in the existing Halifax brand, where the bank employs over 4,500 in its current headquarters and is the second largest employer in the town; asks that the Government further continues to urge Lloyds TSB to save as many jobs as possible in Halifax, despite this untimely set back; further notes that Halifax is competitive in providing a low cost base, the right workforce, the right location, the right brand and the right team to the new banking group; requests that this be taken into urgent consideration by Lloyds TSB; and urges Lloyds TSB to reconsider its outrageous offer to pay Andy Hornby £60,000 a month in his consultancy role for the bank and instead focus its efforts and resources on ensuring jobs remain in Halifax.