To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what payments Northern Rock has made to FD Public Affairs in the last 12 months; for what purposes; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the contract under which such payments were made. (305430)

During this period of temporary public ownership, Northern Rock is managed by its board at arm's length from the Government on commercial principles. It is a matter for the company's management to release specific business updates or provide any required disclosures in their audited annual report and accounts.