To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they gave approval to the pension benefits paid to Sir Fred Goodwin, the former chief executive of the Royal Bank of Scotland; and, if so, what were their reasons. [HL1759]

The Government were not involved in negotiating and did not give approval to the pension benefits paid to Sir Fred Goodwin. The Government understand that the financial arrangements were agreed by then directors of the Royal Bank of Scotland and Sir Fred Goodwin.