§ 62. Viscount CURZONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many shares the British Government now holds in the Anglo-Persian Oil Company; what is the-present value of the shares; for how long the Government will retain this holding in shares; if it is the intention of the Government to dispose of the shares in any way; and, if so, what action they propose to take?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINHis Majesty's Government holds in the Anglo-Persian Oil Company 5,000,000 ordinary shares, 1,000 preferences shares, and 199,000 debentures. There is no market quotation for the ordinary shares. The Government has no intention of disposing of its holding.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINHave the Government yet received any dividends on these shares?
§ Mr. DEVLINDoes anyone receive dividends on anything?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINYes, Sir; I am told we have received dividends. I think we have reinvested some of them.