IT is my understanding that 72 per cent of the Royal Bank of Scotland is still in state ownership. How is it that those in charge (operational directors at RBS) can oversee the closure of many branches (in both Scotland and south of the Border) and then embark on recruitment abroad? The domino effect on redundant staff, customers and local communities will be keenly felt by such savage closures.

Commendably the Unite union has already vocalised on the travesty ("Union accuses RBS of betrayal by shipping jobs overseas", The Herald, December 4). Surely, as an institution, mainly in state control, any such policy decisions should require parliamentary clearance before implementation?

Allan C Steele,

22 Forres Avenue, Giffnock.