I REFER to the latest in a long procession of scandals involving the UK banks ("Clydesdale hit by record fine over PPI ploy", The Herald, April 15).

It is a somewhat sobering observation, but I fear that the public is becoming accustomed to news of such egregious breaches of trust and professional misconduct within the banking world over such a protracted period.

However, I believe that what most of the customers of the banks would prefer to see is the implementation of more draconian and focused action, apart from the imposition of substantial fines, which clearly affect both the reputation and the profitability of the companies themselves. Where there is sufficient evidence of more than mismanagement and lack of judgment in the form of fraudulent and dishonest activity through the deliberate withholding or manipulation of information and misrepresentation of data, then those responsible should be prosecuted and, following conviction, they should be barred from working in the banking and financial sectors.

A much stronger message needs to be sent out to those involved in such activities - if you engage in fraud and deception, you will face going to jail.

Ian W Thomson,

38 Kirkintilloch Road, Lenzie.