asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Davies of Oldham on 21 April (WA 257), what is the (a) legal and (b) economic impact on Northern Rock plc of the Whinstone special purpose vehicles set up by Northern Rock plc. [HL3208]

During the period of temporary public ownership, Northern Rock will be managed on an arm’s-length, commercial basis. It is a matter for the company's management to report on its day-to-day business.