§ 69. Mr. THORNEasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of shares in the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, Limited, held by the British Government, and the amount received in dividends to the nearest available date?
§ Mr. W. S. MORRISONThe Government holding in the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company consists of 7,500,000 Ordinary Shares and 1,000 Preference Shares. The amount received in dividends in the current year up to the present date is £937,540.
§ Mr. THORNEMay I ask the Financial Secretary whether it is not the fact that the increased dividend has been caused through this company supplying oil in an indirect way which has been sent to Italy?
§ Mr. MORRISONNo, Sir, the figures I have just given the hon. Member relate 564 to profits in the year ending 31st December, 1934, and the basis of the supplementary question of the hon. Gentleman does not exist.
§ Mr. THURTLECan the hon. Gentleman say whether this shareholding represents the controlling interest in the company?
§ Mr. MORRISONI think it does.
§ Mr. McENTEECan the hon. Gentleman state what is the rate of interest in relation to the figures he has given?
§ Mr. MORRISONI do not think that that arises out of the question. If the hon. Member wishes the information, I hope that he will put down a question.