HC Deb 24 November 1952 vol 508 cc3-4
5. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what request he has received from the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company for authority to produce documents required by United States Department of Justice in its inquiry into alleged anti-trust activities; and what reply he has made.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

None, Sir.

Mr. Chetwynd

How can any Government inquire into alleged abuses arising from cartels which are, by their nature, international if another Government refuses to allow essential documents to be produced?

Mr. Lloyd

I can only say that the decision whether or not to seek the Government's authority to produce documents is entirely one for the company.

Mr. M. MacPherson

Has the right hon. Gentleman made up his mind about the kind of answer he will give in the event of his receiving such a request?

Mr. Lloyd

That is very definitely hypothetical.

Sir H. Williams

Is it not true that the documents in question are those relating to the period from 1945 to 1950, when the late Government were 51 per cent. shareholders in the company?

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