HBOS-Lloyds TSB - statement from Rosie Winterton, Regional Minister for Yorkshire & the Humber

She said:

"I and Yorkshire Forward have had a very constructive meeting with Lloyds TSB and this will be followed up by a discussion with the Chairman, Sir Victor Blank, by the end of the week.

"We have agreed with Lloyds TSB to have regular meetings to ensure that Yorkshire Forward and I are kept fully informed on developments.

"Yorkshire Forward is putting together what we believe to be a very strong and compelling commercial case for retaining Yorkshire as an integral business hub for the new company, which we will be presenting to Lloyds TSB."