§ 65. Sir F. NELSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of the royalties paid by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company to the Persian Government for the year 1926; and whether there is any likelihood of a revision of the agreement between this company and the Persian Government?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe answer to the first part of the question is £1,341,963, and to the second part that I understand that no question of revision has arisen.
§ 67. Sir F. NELSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the original cost of the holding of His Majesty's Government in the Anglo-Persian Oil Company and the value to-day at approximate market prices; and whether His Majesty's Government have, by virtue of voting power, a controlling interest in this company?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe original cost of the holding of His Majesty's Government in the Anglo-Persian Oil Company was £5,200,000 and the value to-day at approximate market prices is £23,600,000. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative but the Government are pledged not to interfere in the commercial management of the company.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs not the right hon. Gentleman very glad now that he has not sold them?