HC Deb 09 April 1936 vol 310 cc2937-8
32. Miss RATHBONE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of shares in the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company are controlled by His Majesty's Government?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Of the £13,425,000 ordinary stock of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, His Majesty's Government owns £7,500,000. The other issued capital of the company consists of £7,232,838 first preference stock and £5,473,414 second preference stock. Of the former His Majesty's Government owns £1,000, and of the latter none.

Miss RATHBONE

Have His Majesty's Government made any effort to use their control over that large body of stock to discourage the export of oil by the company to Italy and the Italian forces in Abyssinia?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir; we have never taken one-sided or unilateral action.