HC Deb 25 June 1959 vol 607 cc1390-1
43. Mr. Grimond

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why he decided to sell Her Majesty's Government's holding in Societé D'Investissements Mobiliers by private tender; and how this was carried out.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. F. J. Erroll)

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the Answer given on 23rd June to the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Lewis).

Mr. Grimond

Is this the general custom now, or was this a special case?

Mr. Erroll

There could hardly be said to be a general custom in matters of this sort. This case was decided on its merits.

Mr. Donnelly

Can the Economic Secretary say whether the Government, before taking the step of selling the Suez investments, consulted the heirs of Disraeli?

Mr. Erroll

I could not answer that supplementary question without notice.