HC Deb 22 July 1958 vol 592 c199
12. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what shares in the Suez Canal Company are owned by Her Majesty's Government; what is their current market value; and, as the company no longer owns the canal, whether he will state the policy of Her Majesty's Government as to continued ownership, or otherwise, of these shares.

Mr. Amory

Her Majesty's Government own 353,804 shares in the Suez Finance Company. Their current market value is about £16 million. No decision has been taken about the future of the Government's holding.

Mr. Nabarro

Would my right hon. Friend be prepared to make a relatively early statement to the House about the future of this holding, having regard to the fact that if Her Majesty's Government continue to hold the shares it might easily lead them into some rather curious situations if the policy of the company did not happen to coincide with the desires and purposes of the policy of Her Majesty's Government?

Mr. Amory

I think it would be premature to take decisions as to the disposal or otherwise of these shares in present circumstances.

Mr. Awbery

Could the Chancellor of the Exchequer tell us whether the Government have a policy for the pilots and the workmen who left their jobs at the instigation of the Government?

Mr. Speaker

That is quite a different question.