HSBC recognises its duty to society and to conduct our business responsibly with the highest standards of professionalism and with absolute integrity...HSBC has not purchased shares in the company mentioned in the reports to which you refer. Our name appears on the list of shareholders because we hold these shares, as nominees only, on behalf of a client...While HSBC makes judgements about its own direct dealings with other organisations and individuals in accordance with its social, ethical and environmental policies and practices, we would not wish to police the shareholding decisions of any third party. This would be undesirable and almost impossible to implement. Since HSBC is not the beneficial owner of these shares, and we rigidly observe our obligations of strict client confidentiality, we are not able to comment further.