Public urged to question Darling

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MPs have asked the public to suggest questions to put to Chancellor Alistair Darling about the government's £37bn rescue package for banks.

The Commons Treasury committee will grill him during its "urgent inquiry" into the financial crisis.

Chairman John McFall said taxpayers were "naturally very concerned".

Bank of England chairman Mervyn King and Financial Services Authority chairman Lord Turner will also face the public's questions.

'Fundamental look'

Under the government's package, the Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds TSB and HBOS will have a total of £37bn injected into them.

In return for the investment, ministers will get a say in how the banks are run, including controls over the bonuses paid to management.

The committee has not yet announced the date for its hearing.

Mr McFall, a Labour MP, said: "This inquiry will take a fundamental look at the causes of the present banking crisis, the current responsibilities of the banks and the government to the taxpayer, and the future shape of the financial and regulatory landscape."

He added: "Taxpayers are naturally very concerned about the scale of this investment.

"The committee hopes that by providing people with the chance to have us put their questions to those in charge, we can provide a constructive way of engaging the public on a matter of such deep concern to the whole country."

Questions should be emailed to: bankingcrisis@parliament.uk