FTSE falls 1.8 pct as miners, banks weigh

* FTSE down 1.8 percent

* Miners weigh as commodity prices slip

* HBOS up ahead of Lloyds TSB shareholder meeting

* BoE minutes stoke rate-cut expectations

By Nick Vinocur

LONDON, Nov 19 (Reuters) - Britain's top share index was 1.8 percent lower by midday on Wednesday, dragged down by miners and banks as global recession fears remained predominant despite the prospect of a likely further loosening in monetary policy.

At 1210 GMT the FTSE 100 .FTSE index was 76.39 points lower at 4,132.16 having closed 76.39 points, or 1.9 percent, higher on Tuesday.

Miners were a big drag on the FTSE 100 index as plummeting demand in the auto sector pushed commodity prices lower, with aluminium hovering close to three-year lows and copper dropping by 3.7 percent.  Continued...